The Tłı̨chǫ Government Post-Secondary Support Division is launching a new online speaker series on February 27, 2026, to provide mental health and identity support for residents in Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. The event aims to give students and staff a chance to discuss emotional well-being and identity with a national expert.
The first session features Teddy Syrette, an award-winning 2-Spirit advocate and mental health expert from the Batchewana First Nation. Syrette was recognized as the Indigenous Professional of the Year by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce in 2023 for their work in social justice and inclusion.
The online event starts at 11:00 a.m. MST and is open to residents, students, and staff from Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, Wekweètì, and Yellowknife. Participants can join the session through Microsoft Teams to participate in a conversation about personal wellness and cultural identity.
This initiative follows a local philosophy that encourages being strong in both traditional knowledge and modern education. By hosting these sessions, officials hope to help students handle the unique challenges they face when moving to larger cities for their studies.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government intends to use the information from this speaker series to help shape future school services and local wellness programs. These sessions are designed to create a safe space for community members to talk about important health topics.
