The Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation has declared a state of crisis and emergency.
“In the past few weeks, we have had 3 completed suicides,” said CEO/Executive Director for the First Nation Barry Chalifoux in a statement.
Chalifoux said a 10-year-old-girl took her life Thursday.
“Chief Mitsuing and I both feel our staff are not ready or prepared to deal with the current level of crisis in the community; considering how close in timing each event has recently occurred. The staff have been operating in crisis mode all year,” Chalifoux explained.
He said the First Nation has dealt with several deaths in the community this year, leading frontline staff to be overwhelmed.
That coupled with many social issues, including addictions Chalifoux said youth are turning to alternate ways to cope, which are not effective.
Chalifoux is calling for more mental health staff.
“We are in need of an immediate moderate/long term relief support crisis/counselling team to be dispatched. We would like each and every school aged child to be assessed with parental permission at our school. We would like our Staff to be debriefed, supported through crisis respite,” Chalifoux stated.
“We are seeking immediate funding to additionally support hiring a specified suicide support coordinator; as well as additional counsellors within our school to moderate risk levels throughout the next few months.”
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is calling for a regional suicide prevention strategy and action now. Chalifoux says the First Nation has written to the province regarding its situation, but has yet to hear back. He said MP Gary Vidal has requested action from his federal counterpart.
(Photo: Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation logo. Facebook.)