Mushkegowuk to hold emergency summit on suicide

Mushkegowuk chiefs will be holding an emergency summit May 11 and 12 in Moose Factory in an on-going effort to reduce and prevent suicides in their communities.
Mushkegowuk reports there have been 12 completed suicides since 2009 in the James Bay area, a number that doesn't include suicide attempts.
"There have been so many suicides that it (suicide) seems to be part of our lives now," said Leo Friday, deputy grand chief of Mushkegowuk Council. "It is not right. It is very scary. We need to do more,"
Mushkegowuk describes the situation as an emergency health crisis situation, referring to suicide as a "virus" and "pandemic."
With many frontline workers and crisis response teams constantly facing one crisis after another, concerns are mounting of staff and volunteers experiencing burnout.
"In the midst of our suicide pandemic, we must remember and we need everyone to do their part to build healthier communities," said Stan Loutitt, grand chief of Mushkegowuk.
A number of objectives have been identified for the summit:
� Determine if state of emergency should be declared;
� Request/demand a public inquiry;
� Address and reduce the high rate of suicides in Mushkegowuk communities.
� Acknowledge the care and work of frontline staff and volunteers.
� Conduct more research on suicide.
 
Wawatay has started a forum for the discussion of this issue. It can be found here.