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"AFN National Chief calls for immediate action in Attawapiskat"

Publication
Two Row Times (Six Nations of the Grand River, ON), 13 Apr 2016
Description
Full Text
AFN National Chief calls for immediate action in Attawapiskat
By TRT Staff

OTTAWA - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today called for immediate action and long-term support for community based prevention strategies in response to the state of emergency declared by the leadership of Attawapiskat First Nation to address the overwhelming number of suicide attempts in the northern Ontario First Nations community.

"The situation facing the people of Attawapiskat is a national tragedy that demands immediate action and I have reached out to Chief Bruce Shisheesh to offer our full support," said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. "I have spoken with Federal Health Minister Philpott and Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins to request immediate resources to deal with this crisis - both on the short and long term. Both Ministers reassured me that they are moving swiftly to work with the community in the wake of this weekend's terrible events."

"The situation in Attawapiskat is sadly -felt by far too many First Nations across the country," said National Chief Bellegarde. "We need a First Nations directed national strategy to address First Nations suicide rates and ensure our people are safe and thriving. We need a sustained commitment to address. longstanding issues that lead to hopelessness among our peoples, particularly the youth. And, we need to see investments from the federal budget on the ground in our communities immediately - to support our families to enjoy safe and thriving communities that foster hope."

On Saturday, Attawapiskat First Nation leadership declared a state of emergency in response to a number of suicide attempts. Reports indicate 11 people attempt-ed suicide on April 9, and further reports have indicated 101 suicide attempts since September of this year. Last month, Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) in Manitoba declared a state of emergency due to youth suicide.

AFN continues to support community-based approaches to prevent suicide, including programming and activities that help reduce suicide risk factors. This includes coping skills development, job readiness, recreational activities that decrease isolation and increase peer support and promote physical activity. It also includes activities that increase healthy behaviours and problem solving and those that connect youth with Elders, their community and their culture.

The AFN also continues to support the full implementation of the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum framework which supports community development and quality care and competent service by transforming existing funding to better support First Nation communities to take the lead in achieving their own health and wellness goals. For more information on the Mental Wellness Continuum and other efforts please visit http://health.afn.ca/en/about-us/pro/mental-wellness.


Media Type
Text
Newspaper
Item Type
Clippings
Description
"Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national Chief Perry Bellagarde today called for immediate action and long-term support for community based prevention strategies in response to the state of emergency declared by the leadership of Attawapiskat First Nation to address the overwhelming number of suicide attempts in the northern Ontario First Nations community."
Publisher
Two Row Times
Place of Publication
Six Nations of the Grand River, ON
Date of Publication
13 Apr 2016
Subject(s)
Personal Name(s)
Bellegarde, Chief Perry ; Shisheesh, Chief Bruce ; Hoskins, Dr. Eric.
Corporate Name(s)
Assembly of First Nations ; Government of Canada ; Government of Ontario.
Local identifier
SNPL004489v00d
Language of Item
English
Geographic Coverage
Creative Commons licence
Attribution-NonCommercial [more details]
Copyright Statement
Public domain: Copyright has expired according to Canadian law. No restrictions on use.
Copyright Date
2016
Copyright Holder
Two Row Times
Contact
Six Nations Public Library
Email:info@snpl.ca
Website:
Agency street/mail address:
1679 Chiefswood Rd
PO Box 149
Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
519-445-2954
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