Navigating Mental Wellness: Indigenous Learners’ Experiences in Post-Secondary Spaces

On September 29, 2026, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Indspire co-hosted a webinar exploring Indspire’s latest research on Indigenous post-secondary student experiences. Grounded in direct student perspectives, the session addressed systemic barriers, cultural disconnection, and mental health challenges, while highlighting key areas of resilience within Indigenous student communities. Participants examined practical strategies to support Indigenous students through policies, programs, and practices aligned with the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students.

To watch the recording of the webinar, access copies of the presenters’ slides, and read more on the research and reports from Indspire, click the links below!

Presenters

Stephanie Cunningham-Reimann, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Indspire
Stephanie Cunningham-Reimann is a Knowledge Mobilization Specialist of Scottish, Portuguese, German, and French descent, part of the lineage of ‘les filles du Roy’. With a background in Sociology, Psychology, and Indigenous Public Health, Stephanie is passionate about fostering relationships and approaches to research that are ethical, respectful, and rooted in reciprocity. As a settler in this field, Stephanie continues to learn what it means to show up as an ally for her Indigenous family members, in research, and with society at large. With her work during her Masters in Yellowknife which inevitably brought her to Nunavut and the Yukon, Stephanie has a repertoire of lived experience as an allied researcher. She has been guided by Chiefs, Elders, and community leaders, and her time spent in ceremony and on the land has deeply shaped how she understands her role in this work. These experiences continue to shape how she approaches research and what meaningful partnership looks like – centering respect, listening, and two-way knowledge exchanges.

Sarah Ferguson, Program Manager, Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
Sarah has supported awareness and implementation of the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students since 2022, engaging with post-secondary leaders across Canada to share ideas and resources that advance campus mental health and well-being. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with experience spanning frontline roles and system-level work, informing a holistic and person-centered approach to her work.