Seeking solutions to northern suicide crisis

It was standing room only in Moose Cree First Nation, but at least 200 people left a two-day emergency summit on suicide with hope in their hearts to end the suicide crisis occurring within First Nation communities.
They came seeking answers to the question: “What is causing the youth so much pain that they would choose death over life?”
Mushkegowuk Council hosted the summit in Moose Cree May 11 and 12 to explore solutions to the alarming number of suicides that is plaguing First Nation communities in the James Bay region. At the end of the summit, participants declared a state of emergency around the suicide crisis.
The summit also revealed how frontline workers are struggling to deal with the crisis.
The chilling sound of a phone ringing in the middle of the night is faced with dread by police officers, leaders and crisis workers. There is a feeling of anxiety that it may be another telephone call to alert them to recover the body of a young person.
Frontline workers, who are often first at the scene, are experiencing stress and burnout from the trauma they encounter.
They are emotionally drained and lost.
“I need relief. I am burnt out. I care for my people and it deeply saddens me when I hear of another suicide attempt or completion,” said Victor Weapenicappo, a crisis counsellor for Moose Cree First Nation.
Their burden is often compounded when sharing news that a life has been lost to suicide.
“They have brought the black news of death to loved ones,” said Leo Friday, deputy chief of Mushkegowuk Council. “They have listened to youth and desire to make them feel viable and loved. We owe them a debt we can never repay.”
Friday helped in planning and initiating the summit.
“When I look at this crisis, I think about all of the lives that have been taken away from us and I really feel hopeless,” Friday said.
He feels that outside help is sometimes needed, but it’s up to community members to remember the cultural teachings that have sustained the people for thousands of years. “Those of you who know our traditions, teach it. Our young people need to know that they belong with us and our culture,” he said.
There is a general lack of resources for counsellors, crisis workers and police officers to carry out their duties. Because of lacking resources, the numerous service providers in the area are being asked to review their existing programs and to collaborate with each other to maximize services to those they serve.
Weapenicappo seems to think the summit was a good start.
“This summit helped me in sharing my thoughts and I really hope that something positive will come out of this in the end,” he said.
Chief Jonathon Solomon of Kashechewan has encountered three suicides during his term. He said he’s seen enough and will strive to make things better in his community.
“I will dedicate what is left of my term to address the social issues of my community. One suicide is one too many,” Solomon said.
Statistics provided by Dr. Marilyn Cook of Weeneebayko Health Antuskaywin are appalling. Between 1986 to April 13, 2010, she reports there have been 415 completed suicides. Of those suicides, 229 occurred with youth under the age of 20.
In her work at the hospital, Cook often deals with youth in crisis due to sexual abuse issues.
“The majority of the youth that come in have been sexually abused. It has to stop and community members have to talk about it openly,” Cook said. “The ones we see in the hospital are in crisis and we have to be able to help the youth – traditional healers are very effective.”
She cites the example of Hollow Water, Man., where they have seen a decline in suicides following the use of healing circles where abusers had to go through healing, as well as the community members.
Cook’s insight into the crisis is but one point of view shared at the summit.
Two open forums were held to gather input about whether a state of emergency ought to be declared and if a public inquiry should be pursued.
One forum was held for youth and the other forum was for parents and Elders.
It was through these forums one weakness became obvious – the youth were not given enough time to share their thoughts and speak.
On day two of the summit, there was a strong display of unity at a community walk. Similar community walks held in Cochrane, Timmins and participating James Bay coastal communities.
In Moose Factory, the group numbered around 500 people including all emergency personnel, as well as students from the schools. Those unable to walk rode in a school bus. The ‘difficult journey of those in support of our plight’ took about one hour through the streets of Moose Factory.
The walk was capped off with a luncheon at the community complex where a young man from Fort Albany raised a concern. The crowd listened in hushed silence as his words echoed through the speakers.
“Yesterday, I was listening to the leaders talk all day. Yesterday, we had youth put together at the open forum – they had a lot of great ideas, they spoke their mind, and we didn’t get a chance to hear them today. I think that it is very important that they be heard. I think this is one of the times that we need to walk that walk.”
Similar displays of dissatisfaction over the lack of youth voice were expressed in the final afternoon of the summit.
Dale Turner raised a concern about the lack of acknowledgement of the visiting youth or any activities geared to them.
There was also no youth input on how suicide has affected them, or how can young people can cope when grief strikes or where to go for help. But Solomon said he wants the best for the youth of his community.
“I want my young people to have hope, to have certainty, to enjoy life—that is what I want for my people, each and every one of them,” he said. “We have everything around us, the land, the culture, the language and spirituality.”
The emergency summit resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency within the Mushkegowuk First Nation communities. See related story.