Manitoba First Nation Declares State of Emergency Amid Deep Grief
A First Nation community near Nelson House, Manitoba, has declared a state of emergency following a tragic spike in suicides. The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) reported that three individuals took their lives in just two weeks, marking the total at four deaths in the past month and five in the last six months.
Devastating Losses Impact Community
The NCN emphasized the profound grief felt across the community, affecting families and generations. Their declaration of emergency highlighted concerns about the risk of further suicides, which can lead to a domino effect in communities already grappling with trauma and grief.
Calls for Immediate Support
- The NCN has requested mobile mental health crisis response teams.
- They seek access to culturally-sensitive mental health resources, particularly for youth.
- Long-term investments for community healing have been called for to prevent more tragedies.
The declaration noted a rise in suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors, which has overwhelmed local emergency services. The NCN plans to address these issues through the teachings of mithopimatiswin, which encourages holistic wellness through cultural practices and community connections.
Support and Resources Available
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth expressed its commitment to support the NCN during this challenging time. They urged the provincial government to provide culturally appropriate mental health resources throughout Manitoba.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) confirmed that two crisis response teams, the Manitoba Keewatinow Okimakanak Crisis Response Team and the Keewatin Tribal Council, are currently working in the community. ISC also noted that they have provided over $1 million in funding for mental wellness programs in the last fiscal year.
Contact Information for Support
The NCN recommends that individuals seeking support reach out to the following resources:
- NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre: 204-484-2341
- NCN Counseling on-call number: 431-354-1270
- Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
- Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text 988
Please remember, in case of an emergency, always call 911 for immediate assistance. For immediate mental health support, dial 988. Additional resources for suicide prevention can be found at the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention’s website.
