Our Children Our Way Society Recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day
News Release – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Territory
K’emk’emelay̓ (Vancouver, BC). On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Our Children Our Way Society invites everyone to remember that each of us is Sacred and carries unique gifts.
Suicide takes the lives of far too many of our beautiful people. Those losses are deeply felt across all our communities. Our hearts are with all those touched by this crisis, and our gratitude goes out to all those who provide support when and where it is needed.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization established World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003. The current theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and the call to action is “Start the Conversation.” These are intended to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicide.
Culture is the foundation to wellness and healing for Indigenous people. As described in Culture is Healing, all interventions should begin from and remain grounded in a cultural perspective. This is critical for suicide prevention.
“Culture is healing, it’s all around us. It’s in Mother Earth, the Water, Plants, Trees, Animals and it’s in our hearts and DNA as First Nations. Connecting to our culture saves lives and strengthens our path to resilience,” Judy Red Hummingbird Wilson, OCOW Secretariat Knowledge Holder & Advisor.
“Every life matters. You are important. You are loved. You are valued. Find the tools and reach out to strengthen yourselves. Do whatever it takes. Look to your culture. Look to prayer. Talk to someone—anyone. This is what will help to heal your soul & spirit,” Deb Foxcroft, OCOW Secretariat Elder Advisor.
For anyone struggling with mental health, help is available:
- Call or text the Suicide Crisis helpline at 9-8-8 to reach a responder within your local community
- Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada by calling 1-855-242-3310 or using their online chat at https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
- KUU-US Crisis Line (1-800-588-8717) is available to support Indigenous people in B.C., 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The Métis Crisis Line (1-833-638-4722) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Youth in BC (https://youthinbc.com) Online Chat is available from noon to 1 a.m. in B.C. Mental Health Support Line (310-6789 – no area code) will connect you to your local B.C. crisis line without a wait or busy signal, 24 hours a day. Crisis line workers are there to listen and support you as well as refer you to community resources.
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line (1-844-413-6649) is available to individuals impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families
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For further comment, please contact the Our Children Our Way Society: Mary Teegee, Chair – Phone: 250-612-8710
