WINNIPEG -- Warning: This story contains content that may be disturbing to some readers.
The Chief of Shamattawa First Nation in northern Manitoba has declared a state of emergency following a recent suicide in the community and a subsequent suicide attempt by a child.
“We are currently facing a suicide crisis in our community. We are calling for mental wellness supports for our community members at this time," Shamattawa Chief Eric Redhead said in a written statement released by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
During a media availability on Tuesday, Redhead said there have been a number of suicide attempts in recent months, but two recent serious incidents prompted the state of emergency.
Redhead said the crisis started when his sister, a mother of four, died by suicide on May 9.
He added a seven-year-old child living in the community attempted suicide on Monday, and is now hospitalized and unresponsive. He said the child is not related to his sister.
Redhead said he is concerned about the potential for additional suicides following the two instances.
“When we have one, we often see copycats or a domino effect, and we’re concerned about that,” he said.
Redhead said suicide has been an issue in the community. He said when he took office in 2019, a 12-year-old died by suicide that year, and the community stepped up in an attempt to address mental health in the community.
“We really try to build our health programs around prevention,” Redhead said.
Mobile MKO crisis teams, along with the Keewatin Tribal Council are on their way to the community located about 350 kilometres southeast of Churchill.
MKO said the Shamattawa First Nation has also reached out to Health Canada for more support.
“We need the crisis response teams and the medical professionals on the ground to help the affected through this whole process and to ensure they can flag anyone who might be suicidal or have (suicidal) ideation,” Redhead said.
Redhead said the community is calling for outside help because the local health team is fatigued.
“We had multiple natural deaths in the community that affected the health staff, and really the entire community,” Redhead said, noting there was a burial in the community that afternoon, and two more burials coming on Wednesday.
“That overlapping grief for our service providers at the local level is overwhelming.”
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said the pandemic has exposed gaps in First Nations health.
“Mental and emotional health is an issue that we need to address, because the youth in our communities are suffering, and they have no one to reach out to,” he said. “I think this pandemic has really shown how deficient we are when it comes to mental health and emotional wellness.
“We need to do something very substantial, because time is of the essence when dealing with this crisis.”
Redhead said he wants to see substantial action from the federal government.
“We continue to have conversations with the feds, and it’s always fluff, it’s always, ‘we’re here, we’ll do what we can.’ But, until I see boots on the ground, I will not be satisfied.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), said they recognize the seriousness of the health and mental health challenges faced by those in Indigenous communities, including the “tragic loss of life through suicide.”
ISC said it works with First Nations and Inuit partners, as well as provinces and territories, to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness.
“While the issues of mental wellness and suicide are complex, we know that part of improving mental wellness in Indigenous communities means providing better access to effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate services,” the statement said.
ISC said it is in contact with Redhead about the state of local emergency that was declared in Shamattawa First Nation.
“Chief Redhead has informed ISC that they have arranged sufficient mental health supports for the short term, as both the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Keewatin Tribal Council are sending crisis response teams provide supports to community members, as well as leadership,” the spokesperson said.
The ISC noted it will help the community to secure child and adolescent expertise, and has confirmed that a Jordan’s Principle therapist and non-insured health benefits therapist are in the community to provide support.
ISC said it will continue to work with Redhead and council to support community-led solutions to the challenges the community is facing.
Anyone struggling with mental health can call the CMHA at 204-982-6100. If you are in crisis, you can call the 24-hour Klinic Crisis Line at 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019.
More supports for mental health in Manitoba can be found online. LINK: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/crisis.html
