Council promotes mental health initiative
Mohawk Council of Kahnawake chiefs and staff marked Bell Let’s Talk Day this week, encouraging community members to feel safe discussing their mental health. Courtesy Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
This Wednesday marked 16 years of Bell Let’s Talk, and Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) chiefs and staff made sure to mark the occasion by having open discussions about mental health.
“We started doing this for a reason years ago, to bring attention to mental health, because people often keep their anxieties to themselves and all their stress about day-to-day burdens and whatever a person is going through,” said MCK chief Arnold Boyer, who is responsible for the health portfolio. “But we want people to know you’re not alone, you can talk, and somebody can be there to help you when you’re going through difficult times.”
Bell Let’s Talk was started in 2010, an initiative from Bell Canada to encourage conversations about mental health and reduce stigma.
Since the start of the movement 16 years ago, Bell has invested nearly $200 million in mental health initiatives, including a $10 million commitment for the 2026 edition of the campaign.
In a press release, leadership from Bell advocated for destigmatizing mental health challenges.
“Taking a moment for mental health reminds us that small actions can have a big impact. Whether you pause to check in with yourself or reach out to someone around you, every moment matters,” said Bell Canada president and chief executive officer Mirko Bibic.
“Today, we’re asking Canadians to take a moment for mental health – a moment to care for themselves, reach out to someone who may be struggling, and recognize the vital work being done in communities across the country,” said Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “Taking a moment isn’t a substitute for a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medication, but it is a simple and practical thing we can all do to support our own mental wellbeing.”
In Kahnawake, Boyer said there are resources for those who may be in need of mental health support, including long-term help and places to go in times of a crisis, such as
Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS).
He encourages Kahnawa’kehró:non to reach out and explore their options for mental health support in the community.
“Fortunately, there are services there that are available for people who have mental health issues and who are going through a crisis. There’s always someone available to listen,” he said.
KSCS can be contacted for intake at 450-632-688 during regular business hours. The intake form can also be filled out on KSCS’s website instead of over the phone and can be found at kscs.ca/intake.
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After-hours support can be accessed by calling the Peacekeepers at 450-632-6505 and requesting the on-call social worker.
