By Bryan Eneas

Lac La Ronge Indian Band looking for long term solutions in response to crisis

Nov 2, 2016 | 6:50 AM

Moving forward in the wake of an emergency may seem an insurmountable task. The chief of one of Saskatchewan’s largest northern First Nations says the community – specifically its youth – know the answers to combatting this crisis.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) confirmed another young life was lost on Sunday night. She said the community has been in a constant state of shock and mourning.

“It’s been really hard on the community, yet (they) still come together to support the families that are in need and we’re trying our best to work together,” Cook-Searson told paNOW.

LLRIB is working with the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and the Red Cross, among others to respond to the situation.

She said because of their experience dealing with similar situations around the world, the Red Cross is aiding LLRIB in developing a community safety plan.

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Cook-Searson added the plan includes implementing community activities which meet the unique needs of the six communities which make up LLRIB. Two youth workers will also be hired in each community to help implement the community safety plan. The youth workers will also be responsible for suicide prevention training and workshops in their respective communities.

The community safety plan will emphasize a Woodland Cree component as well.

“Part of the plan is to increase traditional children and youth resiliency through traditional strengths. It will include stronger links to our elders, traditional Woodland Cree culture,” Cook-Searson said.

The LLRIB is only one month away from completing the business plan which was required for their proposed mental health and wellness centre.

Cook-Searson called on youth consultation to help end this crisis

“We need to ask what youth want, because we can’t just say ‘this is what we think you should do.’ We need them to tell us how we can help them,” Cook-Searson said. “They have ideas and solutions on how we can help them.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, you can contact the 24-hour Prince Albert Mobile Crisis unit at (306) 764-1011, or the First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @bryaneneas