June 3, 2016
For Immediate Release
Suicide Rates in Labrador Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities in Labrador for many years have been battling against the tide on suicide. The recent report issued by Nathaniel J. Pollock, Shree Mulay, James Valcour, and Michael Jong again provides a quantified account of the desperate need for action. The information and research provided in this study, Suicide Rates in Aboriginal Labrador, reaffirms the need for all stakeholders to work harder towards solutions.
Suicide rates are, in part, a result of socio-economic conditions. In Budget 2016 our government made historical investments to close the gap and improve outcomes in education, employment, infrastructure and child welfare in Indigenous communities. Suicide has touched everyone in my riding; my heart goes out to families and communities that are constantly impacted by the tragic cycle of suicide. I personally recognize that more can be done and I am working to change the narrative on youth suicide in my riding of Labrador and in our strong Aboriginal communities. Too many of our youth have been lost, too many others are left with grief and trauma and too few resources to aid them.
Recent studies have also showed there is a lack of available treatment centers, shelters and cultural healing programs available to Indigenous regions. We will be focusing on addressing those gaps as well, through consultation with those impacted we believe a better way forward is possible, and that suicide rates can be reduced.
Providing the conditions to restore hope for many Indigenous communities is critical to overcoming these generational challenges. It will take all of us working together and reaching out to make the change. Our government has recognized that true reconciliation is key for building a nation-to-nation relationship as well as pride and hope for the future of Indigenous people in Canada.
Read More: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303151
Media Contact:
Brandon Pardy
(613)996-4632
[email protected]
