Event poster. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

A collection of northern Saskatchewan residents are urging their leaders to declare a state of emergency over youth suicides.

Several community members are expected to attend a meeting in Buffalo Narrows on Wednesday night to voice their concerns to northern leaders.

Organizer and member the Buffalo River First Nation, Allison Woods-Janvier, says she hopes the leaders will hear their concerns and help make a change.

“I am hoping the leaders will act and get something going for the north because we desperately need this for our youth,” said Woods-Janvier.

Woods-Janvier says they have invited several leaders, but she says as of this morning, only a few have confirmed they will be there. She admits, she doesn’t know exactly what the solutions are, but hope leaders will commit more funding for suicide presentation and awareness.

The meeting is taking place Wednesday night at the Lakeview Complex Arena in Buffalo Narrows. Opening remarks are scheduled for 6:00 p.m.