Citizen Health & Wellness Support
This page provides an overview of the North Slave Métis Alliance's newly created Health Program, including important resources for citizens, an introduction to our current Health & Wellness Advisory Committee, and available services for our community. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Our Health Program was created to advocate for and support Métis citizens in the Northwest Territories and beyond on their health, wellness, and healing journey.
Meet our Health & Wellness Advisory Committee and Health Team
In 2025, the North Slave Métis Alliance created a Health & Wellness Advisory Committee (HWAC) specifically to advocate for the needs of our Metis citizens. Our current Committee members and staff are available to answer any questions you have regarding health and wellness supports. All community health programs, projects, services, and resources are now being developed directly in collaboration with this Committee. Their mission is to strengthen the health and wellness of NSMA citizens by listening to our community, advocating for their needs, and advancing culturally grounded programs and services that support healthy individuals, families, Elders, youth, and future generations.
Arden D'Hont
Patient Navigator
Alanna Williams
Committee Member
Shirley Blyth
Committee Member
Shirley Coumont
Committee Member
Courtney Arychuk
Committee Member
Mary-Lynn Sputek
Indigenous Advisory Body Liaison
Lexi Mercredi
Youth Representative
Josh Yusuf
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Patient Navigator / Advocator
Weekdays 6-9:30 pm MT
Contact our Wellness Team
Weekdays 8:30 am-5 pm MT
Book appointment with
Journey to Wellness
NSMA@journeytowellnessnt.com
867-444-3727
Patient Navigator & Advocator Program
Our navigator and advocator, Arden D’Hont, is here to support you and your family when navigating the health care system, which can often feel overwhelming. Whether it is understanding medical travel, addressing barriers to care, finding support with unexpected costs, or making sure your voice is heard in health decisions, Arden will walk alongside you. Arden brings years of experience working to improve services for Indigenous communities across Canada, and now works with NSMA and the Health & Wellness Committee to enhance care and support for our citizens in the North.
No question is too small - if you or your family need help navigating the health care system, please reach out. Together, we can ensure our Métis voices are heard and supported in health care.
The North Slave Métis Alliance recently entered a partnership with Journey to Wellness to offer citizens confidential, culturally informed counselling that supports healing and well-being. Virtual appointments are available to citizens in the Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon.
Journey to Wellness is committed to providing culturally informed counselling rooted in Indigenous wisdom. They provide create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal and reconnect with themselves and their communities. The Journey to Wellness team is available to provide direct support to North Slave Métis citizens, including the following:
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Virtual counselling services for NSMA Citizens residing in the Northwest Territories, Alberta, and British Columbia
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In-person counselling services in Yellowknife
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Trauma-informed and culturally responsive counselling services
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Emotional support services during NSMA events and workshops
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Residential treatment navigation and support for Northwest Territories residents
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Wellness, healing, cultural and psychoeducational workshops
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Healing circles, sharing circles and community wellness programming
Services are provided by experienced Certified Canadian Counsellors:
Sarah McClafferty, MACP, BEd, BComm, CCC, a Counselling Therapist who specializes in supporting preteens, adolescents and adults experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions and relationships. Sarah provides virtual counselling services to NSMA Citizens.
Janell Dautel, BSW, MACP, CCC, a Métis Counselling Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting Indigenous and diverse populations through trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. Janell offers in-person counselling services in Yellowknife as well as virtual counselling when appropriate.
Booking an appointment:
NSMA Citizens can book appointments directly through the Journey to Wellness online booking system. When booking, please select the "NSMA Citizen" option to access services through this partnership. If you experience any difficulties with booking or have questions about accessing services, please contact their team directly at NSMA@journeytowellnessnt.com / 867-444-3727
Guiding Principles
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Be grounded in Métis culture and include traditional healing expertise, experience from the community and guidance from Elders whenever possible;
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Strengthen citizen voices and their input in NSMA health and wellness initiatives;
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Focus on addressing current and emerging community needs;
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Foster collaboration between the HWAC, the Community and the NSMA;
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Ensure programs are safe, inclusive and effective;
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Enhance capacity to care for the mentally and physically vulnerable;
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Build capacity to enable community access to resources; and
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Respect the privacy of citizens and their information.
Program Importance
The Health & Wellness Advisory Committee (HWAC) is accountable to the collective North Slave Métis community to ensure that citizen needs are holistically and culturally reflected in the health and wellness programming of the NSMA. The HWAC is responsible for undertaking regular consultations with members to understand their health and wellness needs to support programming to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and social well-being. The HWAC plays an important advocacy role for citizens and the NSMA. They advocate not only for our overall membership but for individuals as needed. Some members of the committee represent the NSMA on other external committees including the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Health & Social Services Council of Leaders and the Indigenous Advisory Body (IAB).
Trauma Informed Health & Cultural Support Program - Northern Region
Below is a list of available mental health service providers specifically in Yellowknife. If you, a friend, or loved one is struggling, we encourage you to reach out to one of the resources available. If you aren't sure where to start, our Wellness Team is here to support you. You can reach out directly to our Patient Navigator, Arden D'Hont for next steps. You can also reach out directly to Indigenous Services Canada regional call center at 1-800-464-8106.
Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 or chat online with a counsellor.
MMIWG Crisis Line 1-844-413-6649
National IRS Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
