Manitoba First Nation Chief Urges Support Amidst Community Suicide Crisis
In northern Manitoba, a First Nation community is facing a severe suicide crisis. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation recently declared a state of emergency as five community members have died by suicide within the past six months, three of which occurred just in the last two weeks.
Community’s Urgent Call for Support
Chief Angela Levasseur announced the emergency through a Facebook post, highlighting a “devastating and ongoing mental health crisis.” The situation reveals a troubling trend of multiple suicides and rising suicidal thoughts within the community. Chief Levasseur has urged both federal and provincial governments for additional resources to support mental health and addiction services.
“We urgently need resources for addiction support and suicide prevention,” Levasseur stated. “Our community is overwhelmed and in pain.” Currently, the community is struggling with a shortage of nurses and counselors, which hampers effective care.
Statistics and Recent Incidents
The crisis has reached alarming levels, with the recent death occurring on a Monday. Those lost were primarily young adults in their 20s and 30s. The community, which has a population of around 3,600, is seeing this phenomenon referred to as a “suicide cluster,” which often triggers a domino effect of further tragedies.
- Deaths by Suicide: 5 in the last six months
- Recent Deaths: 3 in the past two weeks
- Community Population: Approximately 3,600 people
Community’s Mental Health Challenges
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is grappling with various issues such as increased substance abuse, particularly hard drugs, following summer wildfire displacements. Mental health struggles, poverty, and a significant housing shortage of about 700 homes are compounding the crisis.
As the season changes and the community emerges from winter, there is often an uptick in suicide. However, this year’s spike is unprecedented, with multiple deaths in a short timeframe.
Support Initiatives and Healing Programs
To tackle the growing mental health crisis, the Keewatin Tribal Council has deployed its mobile crisis response team to assist the community. Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot emphasized the need for support during such difficult times, stating, “First Nations will always support one another during times of crisis.”
The high school in the community has reported incidents of student suicide attempts, linked to bullying and challenging home environments. To provide a safe space for community members, the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation will open a refuge for activities like movies, arts and crafts, and motivational speaking over the weekend.
Encouraging Community Togetherness
Levasseur urges the community to unite, emphasizing the importance of open discussions around mental health. “There is strength in asking for help,” she remarked. She advocates for land-based healing methods that promote overall wellness.
Local officials, including Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness, expressed solidarity with the community. Smith said she is prepared to discuss how the province can assist, affirming that the families affected are “valued” and “belong here.”
Immediate Help for Crisis Situations
Community members or individuals in crisis are urged to seek help. Emergency contacts include:
- RCMP: 204-484-2288
- NCN First Nation Safety Officers: 204-307-0912
- NCN Community Patrol: 204-679-0226 or 431-354-2026
- NCN Nursing Station
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation stands at a pivotal moment, calling for external support and highlighting the need for community healing as they confront this tragic epidemic. Together, they strive for mental wellness and strength in the face of adversity.
