The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN, formerly the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations) has passed a resolution demanding federal funding to create a youth suicide prevention conference and build a youth mental health facility.
At its fall assembly held in Yorkton October 26 and 27, FSIN chief Bobby Cameron spoke in favour of the resolution, but also encouraged grassroots action beyond the higher level initiative.
鈥淐hief and council, we need to show our young people they are loved,鈥� he said. 鈥淕o to your schools and encourage them. 鈥業 love you, have a good day,鈥� anything it takes to brighten our children鈥檚 day.鈥�
The resolution passed unanimously.
Suicide is an ongoing tragedy for northern First Nations, but the indigenous community in Saskatchewan was hit particularly hard in October with four girls, two from Stanley Mission, one from La Ronge and one from Deschambault Lake taking their own lives.
The youngest, the girl from Deschambault Lake, was just 10 years old.
And these four were among numerous attempts in October with First Nations officials estimating there were more than 20 children considered at-risk.
Chief Peter Beatty of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation鈥攆or whom the recent resolution was named鈥攍amented the loss of children so young.
鈥淭hey have so much life to live and so much to look forward to,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think we have to come to terms with what鈥檚 happening in our First Nations communities because a lot of things lead to that.鈥�
The suicide rate among indigenous youth is estimated at five times the national average.
The conference took place at St. Mary鈥檚 Ukrainian Catholic Cultural Centre over the two days last week. FSIN represents 74 Saskatchewan First Nations.
A number of other resolutions dealing with everything from environmental protection to HIV/AIDS prevention to development of an anti-gang strategy also passed during the assembly.
