Carrying signs that read “Young First Nations are under Attack,” about 30 protestors gathered in front of the aboriginal affairs office in downtown Regina during the noon hour.
They staged a protest to bring attention to the suicide crises among aboriginal teens. Last weekend, 11 teens on the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario attempted suicide. In Saskatchewan, three reserves have declared a mental health crises.
Protester Robyn Pitawanakwat says aboriginal affairs is offering only band aid solutions. She was also critical of the department’s decision to close the Regina office on Friday.
“Well I think it’s funny they can’t face criticism,” she said. “We had no intention of occupying the space today, we were going to be outside protesting, bringing attention to the issues on Attawapiskat and Key and Cote. We wanted them to be aware that people are watching them and paying attention to their inaction.”
Another one of the protestors was Bob Hughes, a spokesman for the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism who is also a mental health worker. Through that role, Hughes said he has seen the trauma caused by suicides and the hopelessness felt by aboriginal youth.
“We have had a crisis for a very long time,” he said. “I am hoping and I think this is an opportunity now for First Nations and non-First Nations people to act and to act quickly.”
INAC posted a note on the door saying the office would be closed on Friday. It gave no indication when it might reopen. INAC offices in Toronto and Winnipeg have also been shut down after protesters occupied the buildings.