First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities experience mental-health and addiction challenges, like all communities across Canada.

However, due to longstanding factors such as intergenerational trauma, dispossession, systemic discrimination, and chronic underfunding, these communities often face disproportionately severe outcomes.

Rates of anxiety and substance-use disorders are estimated to be approximately twice those of non-Indigenous Canadians, while suicide rates are up to six times higher in some Indigenous populations. These inequities are further compounded by unique and persistent barriers, including remote or limited access to care, culturally inappropriate services, experiences of discrimination, and jurisdictional disputes over healthcare coverage and funding.

We are proud to work in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders, healers, practitioners, and patients to co-develop innovative approaches that are more effective, more affordable, more accessible, and more culturally appropriate than many existing frontline treatments.

This work goes beyond healthcare delivery—it represents reconciliation in action, aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 18 through 24, which call for closing health gaps and recognizing Indigenous healing practices.

Psilocybin-assisted therapy represents a convergence of traditional medicine and modern science. It is a naturally occurring medicine derived from the land, including varieties that continue to grow wild in Canada today.

When delivered appropriately, the therapeutic process can incorporate ceremony, cultural context, and community-specific values, and can be adapted to meet the distinct needs of individual Nations, communities, and patients.

Call to Action 24
Require medical and nursing schools to include courses on Indigenous health issues, history, and rights.

Call to Action 18
Acknowledge that Canada's health disparities stem from past policies (like residential schools) and implement Indigenous healthcare rights.

Call to Action 19
Establish measurable goals and surveillance to reduce health gaps for Indigenous peoples.

Call to Action 20
Address the unique health needs of Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve First Nations.

Call to Action 21
Provide consistent funding for existing and new Aboriginal Healing Centres.

Call to Action 22
Recognize and integrate Indigenous healing practices and healers into the health system.

Call to Action 23
Increase the hiring, retention, and cultural competency of Indigenous healthcare workers.

We collaborate closely with local and regional health authorities to secure the necessary authorizations—and, where applicable, funding.  

Where desired, we support capacity-building, including staff training and infrastructure development. We can also supply the medicine directly, or support community-based, on-site production, depending on community preferences and goals. In parallel, we collaborate on research, evaluation, and advocacy to help expand safe, equitable access from coast to coast to coast.  

Whether you are a community leader, healthcare practitioner, patient, researcher, or ally, we welcome your interest. To learn more or explore opportunities to get involved, please contact us or follow the links below

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit