Call to fund suicide prevention strategy

‘We’re going to do everything we can,’ to ensure implementation, chief says

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is expected to ask the federal and provincial governments to fund its new suicide prevention strategy, drafted to address what many Indigenous leaders have described as a crisis.

Released publicly for the first time on Thursday, the strategy is based on years of statistics and draws on successful anti-suicide strategies implemented elsewhere in Canada as well as the United States.

It’s unclear what implementing the strategy ’s 75 recommendations will cost, but FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said the organization is committed to applying political and, if necessary, legal pressure to get the funds.

“It’ll be into the millions, without a doubt, but it’s an important investment — and it’s an investment that must happen,” Cameron told reporters at the federation’s spring legislative session at Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

“We can’t shuffle this off to the side, so we’re going to do everything we can — spiritually, emotionally, physically and politically,” Cameron said.

The strategy was commissioned last year amid deep concern about soaring suicide rates. At the time, FSIN Vice-Chief Heather Bear said “There has never been a suicide prevention strategy for our people by our people.”

FSIN chiefs, representing 74 First Nations across Saskatchewan, ratified the strategy Thursday afternoon.

Hours earlier, Vice-Chief David Pratt said the high suicide rate has been on the federal government’s radar for years, and he hopes Ottawa will “follow up their words with a firm commitment to the Saskatchewan region.”

While most First Nations issues are the federal government’s responsibility, Pratt said he believes the Saskatchewan government has an obligation to look out for the welfare of everyone living in the province, Indigenous or otherwise.

Indigenous Services Canada spokeswoman Martine Stevens said in an email that while the federal government has not received a specific request for money, it committed $225,000 toward developing the suicide prevention strategy.

Stevens said the government recognizes the “deep-rooted and complex” challenges facing Indigenous people, and that services must be based on the needs and cultures of communities.

The Saskatchewan government said Thursday afternoon it will review the strategy, with particular attention given to recommendations that integrate with existing government initiatives, such as its mental health and addiction plans.