Thessalon First Nation’s “Journey to Wellness”

Abstract

Thessalon First Nation, like many other First Nations, has been affected by and continues to deal with the aftermath of the Residential School System. This article highlights the activities undertaken by Thessalon First Nation as they “Journey to Wellness.” The development of the “Journey to Wellness” proposal marks the beginning of Thessalon First Nation’s development of a social safety net to deal with the inter-generational effects of the Residential School System on the family and community. Beginning with the creation of a Project Team, Thessalon First Nation has made great strides in dealing with the issues resulting from the Residential School System. Thessalon First Nation now has a mental health worker, has produced a video dealing with resiliency of the community, and is working towards creating a community that has the capacity to deal with the traumas resulting from the residential school experience.