State Of Emergency
In Attawapiskat, Canada, a state of emergency has been called after 11 community members attempted suicide on Saturday.
The small, indigenous community in northern Canada has face a never ending battle with mental illness and addiction in their homes. Over 100 members have attempted to take their lives since September of last year, the youngest of which being only 11 years old. 28 members attempted suicide in the month of March alone.
This string of apparent suicide attempts has left the community leaders of Attawapiskat baffled and unsure of how to move their nation forward. According to CBC, The Assembly of First Nations (an indigenous American Indian community officially recognized as an administrative unit by the federal government or functioning as such without official status) said the events from Saturday are "a national tragedy and a national shame that demands immediate action and attention."
Though it is unclear how to address a problem of this magnitude. It appears that the Assembly of First Nations is asking for Canada’s help with the issue: "We repeat our call for a national strategy to address First Nations suicide." This is a problem that is affecting everyone, even the leaders of the indigenous people. "I'm asking friends, government, that we need help in our community," said Attawapiskat Chief Bruce Shisheesh, according to CBC. "I have relatives that have attempted to take their own lives ...cousins, friends." Shisheesh says he believes the attempts and continual self harm are a result of to issues like overcrowding, bullying, and addiction.
Local Attawapiskat mental health resource agencies are burnt out. Their tactics are no longer effective and the people are no longer seeking treatment. However, even if the agencies were running at full-speed they need cooperation from outside sources as well. Attawapiskat is an indigenous nation, meaning they have their own borders and are not subjected to Canadian law. However, the community is out growing their borders and it’s led to dismal living conditions with so many people all in one place. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement saying that he pledged to "improve living conditions for all Indigenous peoples.”
Mental illness, depression, and drug abuse is unfortunately common in many first nations. CNN reports, one study in 1994, which focused in British Columbia communities, found that some indigenous groups had youth suicide rates that are among the highest of any culturally identifiable group in the world. Other studies, such as the one done by the University of Victoria suggest that suicide rates in independent indigenous communities are up to 800 times higher than Britain's national average. This is because these communities are not affiliated with the countries they reside in, and in turn, do not receive the benefits of living in a 1st world country, such as public health care, public schooling, jobs, even good grocery stores.
Unfortunately, there is no way to help these nations without undermining their fundamental beliefs of wanting to be an independent nation. If they want the help and benefits from larger 1st world countries, then they should identify and be part of the taxpaying communities in which is required.
*If you or someone you know is battling with mental illness and suicidal thoughts please seek help from an international hotline
