Dr. Christopher Mushquash Recognized as a Champion of Mental Health

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is a non-profit organization comprised of health care providers as well as organizations which represent individuals with lived experience of mental illness. Each year the CAMIMH recognizes seven Canadians with their Champions of Mental Health Awards, given to individuals and organizations whose work has advanced the mental health agenda across the country.

Northwestern Ontario’s own Dr. Christopher Mushquash is one of those seven recipients of the CAMIMH awards for 2020. This award recognizes his championing of culturally appropriate mental health services.

Dr. Mushquash is Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction and the Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Lakehead University. He is also Associate Vice President Research at our Hospital and Chief Scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Mushquash is a registered clinical psychologist providing assessment, intervention and consultation services for First Nations children, adolescents and adults at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.

Dr. Mushquash is Ojibway and a member of Pays Plat First Nation. He is a generous volunteer, frequently meeting with First Nations communities, organizations and students to discuss mental health and addiction. Through his work, he champions culturally and contextually appropriate mental health and addiction services for First Nations peoples, and for individuals living in rural and northern communities.

The Awards announcement coincides with Mental Health Week (May 4-10) which aims to promote behaviours and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health and create a culture of understanding and acceptance.

To learn more about the Champions of Mental Health Awards, visit https://www.camimh.ca/champions-campaign/