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Fond du Lac Chief, FSIN call for more northern mental health supports

Aug 14, 2018 | 5:00 PM

The chief of the Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation is calling for better mental health supports for his community and particularly first responders after the suicide of a local firefighter.

While no name was given, a press release issued by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and Louie Mercredi, Fond du Lac’s Chief, indicated the young man committed suicide – the second firefighter to do so in three years.

“This shows that our communities are in desperate need of immediate full time mental health support staff, especially our front line emergency workers,” Mercredi said. “We continue to lose the battle against suicide in the North.”

Fond du Lac was also rocked by two youth suicides earlier this year. A 16-year-old boy died in the community, while a 15-year-old band member died in Saskatoon just days later. 

Following these youth tragedies, Mercredi indicated the community health centre was operating with longer hours to try and address Fond du Lac’s needs.

Mercredi indicated full time mental health support staff are non-existent in the community. Workers visit the community on a weekly basis, however they are only available to community members a few days a week.

The chief called for full time staff, who are willing to engage in the community, to be present in Fond du Lac day in, day out.

“Our community is very proud of our firefighters and we hope that the government steps in to help address our ongoing suicide crisis,” Mercredi said.

Mercredi’s statements were backed by FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen firefighter,” Cameron said. “Our frontline workers are also suffering along with our communities and the need for full time mental health workers that live and stay in our communities is desperately needed, especially in the Far North.”

paNOW reached out to the Department of Indigenous Services of Canada for comment but did not receive one before deadline.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

on Twitter: @princealbertnow

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. Services are offered in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktuk by request 24/7.

Warning Signs of Suicide:
• Suicidal threats
• Statements revealing a desire to die
• Previous suicide attempts
• Sudden changes in behaviour (withdrawal, apathy, moodiness)
• Depression (crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness)
• Final arrangements (such as giving away personal possessions)

Communities in need of mental health crisis counselling services can call 1-866-885-3933 ext. 4 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday.