The federal government, province and Indigenous organizations signed a letter of commitment to address suicide in Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis communities on Thursday.
Suicide is a major issue confronting Indigenous communities in the province.
In particular for the youth demographic and in the north.
This summer, a Métis man named Tristen Durocher walked more than 600 kilometres from Air Ronge to Regina followed by a 44-day ceremonial fast on the Legislative grounds to draw attention to the issue.
A government press release says through the letter of commitment all signatories are committed to addressing the issue of suicide in Saskatchewan First Nations communities.
It also says these parties will follow the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Suicide Prevention Strategy, Saskatchewan’s Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.
However, the release provides absolutely no specifics on how any of these goals are going to be achieved in terms of money pledged or mental health services enhanced.
The agreement was signed at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just northwest of Saskatoon, by Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Marc Miller, Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding and FSIN Health and Development Secretariat Vice-Chief David Pratt.
(PHOTO: Indigenous Services Minister of Canada Minister Marc Miller was one of the signatories of a new letter of commitment on suicide prevention in Saskatchewan Indigenous communities between the federal and provincial governments and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. File photo.)