The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) announced on Thursday that they will offer support to northern Saskatchewan communities after a string of suicides.
On Tuesday, a 10-year-old girl from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation died. In response, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation have declared states of crisis after a total of four suicides this month. The FSIN said they fully support the communities.
“Our young people are in a state of despair and crisis,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a news release.
The FSIN says they will coordinate an action plan that involves community leadership and their young peoples to help prevent suicides, stating that youth need to be involved in any plans going forward.
“We are in crisis mode. We are starting the process of dealing with this sudden tragedy,” said Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty in a written release.
“In the interim, we are assisting the family and community in dealing with the death of one so young. In the long term, we need to develop a strategy that incorporates an inclusive and holistic approach to addressing these terrible tragedies.”
The FSIN also stated that they will need commitment from both federal and provincial government as part of the response to suicides.
"We are committed to working together with others in developing a suicide and wellness strategy for our communities,” said Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.
“We are grateful to everyone who has worked so hard in helping us during our crisis situation. We continue to pray for strength and guidance."
