Press Release
May 5, 2025
Mental Health Week 2025 is here — and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is proud to share the theme Unmasking Mental Health.
For many, masking mental health is a way to cope with fear, shame, or the pressure to “fit in.” This campaign invites all Métis people to show up as they are — proudly, authentically, and grounded in culture.
Each day of the week explores a new topic:
Monday: Showing Up as You Are — Safe, inclusive support through our Regional Mental Wellness Coordinators (RMWCs) and Harm Reduction Coordinators (HRCs).
Tuesday: Masking Métis Identity — Reclaiming identity through community and culture.
Wednesday: Stigma — Breaking the silence with cultural grounding.
Thursday: Isolation — Finding belonging through connection and community.
Friday: Self-Care — Reconnecting with your authentic self through grounding practices.
The campaign also introduces the MNBC Ministry of Health’s new Harm Reduction Coordinators team, who provide service navigation, community engagement, and coordination assistance to anyone needing harm reduction support.
Together, we’re building safer spaces for Métis citizens to unmask, heal, and thrive.
Need support? Reach out:
Regional Mental Wellness Coordinators:
Lower Mainland (Region 2) – Melanie UnRuh: munruh@mnbc.ca
North (Regions 5, 6, 7) – Renee Berschaminski: rberschaminski@mnbc.ca
Island (Region 1) – Cayleigh Borsboom: cborsboom@mnbc.ca
Interior (Regions 3, 4) – Currently vacant (reach out to General Wellness inbox)
General Wellness Inbox – mentalwellnesscoordination@mnbc.ca
Harm Reduction Coordinators:
Ryan Nielsen: rnielsen@mnbc.ca
Vanessa Khaira: vkhaira@mnbc.ca
Vanessa Wittig: vwittig@mnbc.ca
Campaign Resources:
Access the MMIWG2S+ Wellness Tools
Resources about Métis history:
The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture
IHT5