FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. Photo courtesy of the FSIN.
The voices of Aboriginal youth and their stories will play the central role at a youth crisis gathering organized by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Prince Albert Grand Council.
The two day gathering will take place in Prince Albert December 5th and 6th. It is in response to a recent suicide crisis where six Aboriginal girls, ranging in age from 10 to 14, have committed suicide on northern reserves over the past few weeks.
FSIN chief, Bobby Cameron, says everything that can be done must be done.
“Anything that we can do to assist in reaching out to our youth to encourage them and let them know that education matters, your voice matters, your opinions matter,” he said. “Your lives matter to us and we have to recognize that important aspect of this.” he said.
Prince Albert Grand Council Chief, Ron Michel, says something needs to be done immediately. He says youth helping youth will be a big part of the solution.
“We have a lot of good young people who are athletes and good in academics in their community,” he said. “You know these kids could help us talk to the kids, you know there are kids out there who are crying for help.” he said.
Representatives from around the province are being invited to the gathering.