Integrated mental health and community supports centred on Inuit culture and values.
The Community Initiatives and Mental Health (CIMH) Department provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered services for Inuit children, youth, adults, and families living in Ottawa. Our work is founded on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, which guide how we build relationships, support wellness, strengthen community connections, and honor Inuit culture, knowledge, values, and ways of being.
Established in 2018, CIMH brought together Inuuqatigiit’s growing community-based and mental health initiatives to address gaps in culturally safe care, service navigation, crisis response, youth supports, and assistance related to housing, food security, trauma, substance use, and justice involvement. By 2020, the department had grown to 18 full-time staff delivering eight programs. Since then, CIMH has continued to develop an integrated continuum of counselling, psychotherapy services, care planning, case management, outreach, advocacy, youth justice, and cultural wellness services, strengthening access, service coordination, continuity of care, wellness, resilience, family stability, cultural connection, and community participation for Inuit in Ottawa.
Through a wraparound model of care, CIMH places clients and families at the centre of service planning and decision-making. Staff work collaboratively with families, Elders, schools, health-care providers, justice partners, and community organizations to reduce barriers and ensure supports respond to each client’s strengths, goals, and priorities. Programs include mental health counselling and psychotherapy, systems navigation, youth justice services, outreach, prevention activities, advocacy, and community-based wellness programming.
Any questions related to Community Initiatives and Mental Health please reach out to the Manager of Community Initiatives and Mental Health
Six programs. Each has its own page with hours, locations and how to register.
Full-day licensed child care in an Inuit cultural setting, with Inuktitut used throughout the day.
Early learning, nutrition and cultural programming preparing children for school.
An Inuit-led Kindergarten year supporting the transition into the school system.
Licensed care for infants and toddlers, with cultural activities and country food.
Free drop-in play and learning for parents, caregivers and young children. No registration needed.
Free drop-in play and learning for parents, caregivers and young children. No registration needed.
Call or email us and we will help you find the right fit for your child and family.