NAN Youth Launch Suicide Prevention Campaign at NAN Decade for Youth Conference
NAN NEWS RELEASE - Tuesday January 31, 2006
NAN YOUTH LAUNCH SUICIDE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler together with NAN Decade for Youth Council today launched the “We Care Yellow Balloon” suicide prevention campaign during a youth conference taking place at Thunder Bay’s NorWester Resort Hotel January 31 through February 3, 2006.
“We want to get the message out to the youth that it’s okay to ask for help,” said Catherine Cheechoo, a member of the NAN Decade for Youth Council. “Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help and knowing that it’s available in difficult situations may prevent a young person from taking their own life.”
The campaign, which is a response to the growing number of youth suicides throughout NAN territory (an area covering two-thirds of Ontario), was initiated by the NAN Youth Council.
“The young people of NAN are taking a very hands-on approach, demonstrating both compassion and insight in their efforts regarding our suicide crisis,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “This campaign is a positive approach to addressing this important issue.”
“In launching this campaign, it is clear that our youth have recognized prevention and early warning strategies are essential if our communities are to address crises before they evolve into full-scale emergencies,” added Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who’s responsible for the NAN youth portfolio. “We need to be proactive, not reactive."
The “We Care Yellow Balloon” suicide campaign is comprised of posters and balloons – both in yellow as it’s the international colour for suicide prevention – that will be distributed to all 49 First Nation communities within NAN territory.
The Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Suicide Awareness Conference is focused on strengthening traditional culture and experiential learning as a way to prevent suicide.
“Traditional, cultural practices are a source of strength for our people,” explains Catherine Cheechoo. “We need to reconnect with the ways of our ancestors because these traditional teachings promote our well-being. Our culture will play a key part in helping to reduce suicide rates.”
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For more information please contact:
Celeste Pedri, Communications Technician
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625-4902
www.nan.on.ca