From a media release
The leadership of Birch narrows Dene Nation (BNDN), Chief Jonathan Sylvestre and council are issuing an urgent call for immediate action to address the critical mental health crisis affecting our northern community. In the past few weeks, the community of BNDN has experienced multiple suicides, compounding the grief from the recent loss of two well-respected Elders in the last three weeks.
For the past seven years, BNDN leadership have been actively advocating for a community wellness centre to address mental health needs, and each proposed submission has been met with bureaucratic obstacles that have effectively blocked progress. This pattern of bureaucratic obstruction represents more than administrative inefficiency – it reflects a systemic failure to prioritize First Nation community health needs, and respect community-led solutions.
“We have spent seven years trying to navigate an endless maze of bureaucratic requirements – seven years. It is deeply frustrating that we are facing an emergency-level crisis to receive the attention our community has needed for years. Our community is experiencing traumatic losses that would trigger immediate provincial and federal intervention elsewhere in Canada,” states Chief Jonathan Sylvestre. “We are tired of short-term crisis responses that fade away once media attention shifts elsewhere. We require substantive long-term solutions with provincial and federal governments, and without it perpetuates this cycle of crisis-responses-neglect.”
Critical gaps require immediate attention as northern remote communities are facing unprecedented challenges that demand immediate provincial and federal response. There is a severe shortage of supportive housing – families in crisis have nowhere to go, forcing vulnerable individuals to remain in triggering environments without adequate support. The ongoing issue of recruitment, and retaining mental health professionals leaves people without access to essential services. Significant increases in opioid and methamphetamine use, no detox or treatment centres within close proximity of northern communities.
“Our community cannot withstand this continuing cycle of loss and grief without substantive intervention and support,” says Chief Jonathan Sylvestre. ” The mental health and wellness of our youth and community members requires immediate action from all levels of government. It’s an issue that has to be dealt with immediately.”
While the community of BNDN requires immediate external support, the leadership remains committed to developing long-term, community-led solutions that build on the strengths of cultural and traditional knowledge, community connection, and the determination to to create effective change.