**Personal Story**
I am a part of a long line of Indigenous people who have faced the oppressive legacies of residential schools, the 60s Scoop, and other governmental harms. These legacies continue to affect us today, showing up as often untreated mental health issues. Many members of my community, including myself, face significant barriers in accessing proper mental healthcare. While the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) covers counseling appointments and therapy, it falls short when it comes to mental health assessments: a necessary step in diagnosing conditions accurately and prescribing the right medication and treatment plans. Without these assessments, we are left tossing darts in the dark, hoping to hit a solution.

**The Problem**
A mental health assessment is a foundational component of effective treatment. It allows healthcare providers to understand the unique circumstances and diagnoses of their patients, enabling tailored and effective intervention strategies. However, for Indigenous peoples, these assessments are often not covered by NHIB, placing a financial and systemic barrier in the way of receiving adequate care. The result is an unacceptable increase in untreated mental health issues, which contributes to a cycle of poverty, homelessness, and continued systemic disadvantage.

The disproportionate level of homelessness among Indigenous peoples is not merely a societal failure—it's a symptom of unaddressed mental health issues deeply rooted in historical trauma and ongoing discrimination. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings, the intergenerational impact of residential schools has been devastating and unmistakable. It is both recognized and unrectified by the authorities.

**Our Solution and Call to Action**
Therefore, we call on the NHIB to extend its coverage to include comprehensive mental health assessments for all Indigenous peoples and children. This inclusion would acknowledge the past injustices and contribute meaningful steps toward reconciliation and healing. By fully addressing mental healthcare, we provide our communities the support needed to heal old wounds, break cycles of poverty, and reclaim dignity and wellness.

Let us urge the NHIB to take responsibility for a problem that is glaring and continues to grow. By signing this petition, you are supporting a crucial change that aims to provide fair access to healthcare for some of the society's most deserving yet underserved members. Join us in demanding that NHIB amend its coverage, giving Indigenous peoples the chance they need for a healthier future.