The premier has responded to the situation in a First Nations community in Labrador which is reeling after a suicide and a rash of attempted suicides.
Sheshatshiu Innu Chief Eugene Hart has declared that his community is in a suicide crisis.
Chief Hart says there have been about ten separate suicide attempts in the community over the past week. A 20-year-old woman took her own life on the weekend.
Premier Dwight Ball says says he has been in contact with the band chief and is working closely with the Innu leadership in what he calls a collective effort to supplement the resources and supports available in Sheshatshiu. Two social workers with Labrador-Grenfell Health have been providing support and counselling in the community since Saturday.
About 2,000 people—including a lot of young people—live in Sheshatshiu. Hart says they have been struggling in recent months with the loss of 15 people due to natural causes.
He says the necessary supports to deal with grief are not in place. Because of that, Hart says residents—especially youth—are at great risk.
He says they have counselors but not enough full-time counselors.
Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation has declared a suicide crisis in their community. #nlpoli @590VOCM @VOCMNEWS @Fred_Hutton The release is signed by Chief Eugene Hart, the decision comes after approximately 10 suicide attempts were made by residents who are in grieving. pic.twitter.com/AMzdostjdm
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) October 30, 2019
Sheshatshiu has reached out for supports from the Premier’s office, Labrador Affairs, RCMP, 5 Wing Goose Bay, Health Canada, Jordan’s Principle—a group that helps Indigenous children—and Labrador Grenfell Health for resources to help deal with the situation.
If you or anyone needs help, contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at (709) 737-4668 or toll free at (888) 737-4668, or the Mobile Crisis Response Team at (709) 737-4668 or toll free at (888) 737-4668.
