A message of hope
Millbrook youths reach out through ‘ We Matter’ video
Always remember, someone cares and, yes, you do matter.
at is the message portrayed through an online video of hope created by members of the Millbrook First Nation Youth Centre directed to anyone within their community who may have thoughts of suicide.
“I just wanted to try and uplift any person feeling bad about themselves,” said Celeste Sylliboy, 14, one of the group’s members who appears in the video.
“I just want people to see the video and realize that there are people there for them.”
e video is part of a We Matter initiative involving a national multi- media, anti- suicide campaign to remind Indigenous youth there is someone available they can reach out to for help if needed.
Sylliboy’s involvement was prompted in big part by a friend who committed suicide, despite the fact he had always appeared upbeat and active.
“It took a big toll on everybody in the community. He was so involved with everything I thought he was perfectly OK,” Sylliboy said. “It made me aware that people who seem fine,
aren’t ne.”
As Indigenous youths, Sylliboy said the group wanted to commit to making themselves available in a non- judgmental way to others who may be dealing with substance abuse issues, depression, family problems or whatever, but who may be too afraid to seek help.
“We felt like this video would be a good way to put ourselves out there and show that we support this campaign as indigenous youth ourselves,” she said.
Fellow youth club member Marissa Brooks said she got involved in the project as a way to reach out to others with personal issues to let them know that regardless of what they are feeling, there is hope.
“I lost my uncle due to suicide and it was really hard on my family,” Brooks said. “I wanted to help others stay strong and prevent danger to other people and themselves.”