Statement on Trauma in Archives

The SRSC recognizes that trauma is embedded within archives and the archival profession. Additionally, engaging with Indian Residential School histories can trigger emotional reactions, PTSD, and secondary trauma. Sometimes these reactions can surface hours, days, or weeks later.

The SRSC is committed to providing access to archival materials through a trauma-informed lens. This practice centres the needs of Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, families, and communities in the services and archival access provided by the SRSC.
 

Wellness Resources

The below wellness resources are free, confidential, and operate 24/7.

Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support Survivors and families. For more information visit their website. Or, phone the IRSSS Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419

Indian Residential Schools Mental Health Support Program (Government of Canada) provides mental and emotional health support services to eligible former Indian Residential School students and their families throughout all phases of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, for more information phone 1-877-477-0775.

Federal Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Supports Program (Government of Canada) offers support services to Federal Indian Day School students and their families.

Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, telephone and chat based support and crisis services to all Indigenous people in Canada. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Toll-free at: 1-855-242-3310 or by chat at hopeforwellness.ca.