A chief of a northwest Saskatchewan First Nation is declaring a state of crisis amid a rash of suicides and suicide attempts in his community.
“The (Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation) has suffered multiple suicides and attempts in the recent weeks. And our community members, professionals, and those with ties to the community are in despair,” said Chief Ronald Mitsuing.
His statement was shared on Twitter via the account of David Pratt, the second vice-chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
The Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation is located about 360 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon and 60 kilometres west of Meadow Lake.
In sharing Mitsuing’s message, Pratt said in his post: “The time for action is now. A 10-year-old girl took her life and we call upon all levels of government to act now!”
Mitsuing said he feels his community’s pain.
“As chief of this First Nation, I feel it is my duty to make this call …,” he said. “The community and our frontline workers are looking for immediate relief; and we are calling on our local, provincial and federal governments for support!”