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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 his own sister, a 32-year-old mother of four, killed herself earlier this month.
When there is one death by suicide in a community, it can often cause a domino effect in which more people attempt it, the chief said. We are concerned about that.
Crisis teams from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents northern First Nations, and Keewatin Tribal Council were heading to the community.
The chief called for immediate help from the federal government, including mental-health support specifically for children and teens.
Manitoba Health Minister Heather Stefanson said she would look into the state of emergency.
Redhead said a 12-year-old child committed suicide in 2019, the year he first took office. A lot of programs were brought in following the death, he said, but pressures have mounted with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Eric Redhead spoke with media via Zoom on Tuesday afternoon. (Screenshot)
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Shamattawa First Nation is under a declared state of emergency after a single mother died by suicide recently and a young child attempted suicide.
Chief Eric Redhead made the declaration on Tuesday, May 18.
“Today we are announcing a state of emergency in Shamattawa First Nation,” says Chief Redhead in a press release. “We are currently facing a suicide crisis in our community. We are calling for mental wellness supports for our community members at this time.”
He says a seven-year-old child who attempted suicide recently is now in Children s Hospital in Winnipeg and was unresponsive in critical condition.
Kelly Geraldine Malone
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller is seen during a news conference on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Ottawa. The minister said he doesnât think enough is being done to support mental wellness in Canada s Aboriginal communities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld May 19, 2021 - 2:19 PM
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says he doesnât think enough is being done to support mental wellness in Canada s Aboriginal communities.
Miller says he has been in touch with the Shamattawa First Nation and has offered to connect mental-health specialists with the northern Manitoba community following a seven-year-old child s suicide attempt.
The attempt prompted Chief Eric Redhead to declare a state of emergency earlier this week and to call on the federal government for more help.