b'Start your career Scan to learn moreat BMO.STUDENT WELLNESScentral in shaping wellness andIndigenous identity, geographyeducation. Each story was unique, mental health supports. It broughtand lived experience. The circleyet several common themes together post-secondary studentsincluded First Nations, Inuit andemerged that highlighted both the from across the country, alongsideMtis students from coast to coaststrengths and the struggles that Elders and Knowledge Keepers,to coast. It included gender-diverseIndigenous students experience in mental health partner organiza- students, parents, grandparents,post-secondary education.tions, and Indspire staff. The goaland foster parents, as well was not to point fingers at howas learners spanning college,One of the strongest messages post-secondary institutions wereundergraduate, and graduatewas that educators and institutions falling short, but instead to listenprograms. Creating a safe spacecannot assume what students know deeply to Indigenous students,meant compensating them foror have access to. For example, their realities, their needs, andtheir time, valuing their knowledgewhen a student moves from their their hopes for support.as expertise, and safeguardinghome community to an urban their experiences. Throughoutcampus, we cannot assume they We wanted to know: What isevery step we wanted Indigenousknow how to find a doctor, what working? What is missing? Whatstudents to feel valued, respected,health benefits they are entitled to, do you look for when you needand empowered. Over threeor that they have had consistent support? What would you recom- virtual sessions and one in-personaccess to healthcare such as dental mend to a friend who was strug- gathering, SWAG explored howcare, eye care, or therapy. gling? What can we do to supportIndspire and its partners could you? By asking those questions, webetter support the mental wellnessMany students shared that they began to learn not just what wasof Indigenous students. only began navigating these available and what was missing, butsystems as young adults, with some also what students truly wanted. receiving diagnoses like ADHD or WHAT WE HEARDautism for the first time during Intentionality guided every step.Across the sessions, studentspost-secondary. Others talked We ensured the group of studentshared powerful truths about whatabout trans healthcare, noting advisors reflected the diversity ofit means to be well while pursuingthat it is not universally accessible, Start your StSatratr ty oyuoru r care r r Scan to learn mor ecaree Scan to learn morcareer Scan to learn more eata tB MBMO.O.at BMO.BMBOM vOal uvaelsu yeosu y oaun da nyod uyro euxr peexrpieenriceensc.es.BMO values you and your experiences.TogTeotghetrh weerwcaen c ganro gwr otwhe t hgeoo gdo iondbinus binuessinsess Together we can grow thet goodurou usiness and n e fn and p slhp s apehet fuye you ntant.alifd liaed helhe aphe thefu uret in bwaw.and life and help shape the future you want. 11 BMO values you and your experiences.2025indspirationTogether we can grow the good in business and life and help shape the future you want.'