Saskatchewan First Nations Chiefs and other Indigenous leaders are pressing the province to do more to address high suicide rates.
Chiefs from all coroners of the province were in Regina Tuesday at the Legislative Assembly to show support to Northerner Tristen Durocher, who is on a 44-day fast on the west lawn of the Legislative grounds.
He is in day-12 of his fast after walking from Air Ronge to Regina in early July to bring attention to suicides.
Fond du Lac First Nation Chief Louis Mercredi said suicide first came to the Far North 40 years ago and has turned into a crisis.
He said this is not normal for his community, but that more needs to be done. “There is no long-term solution for our people. We don’t have the tools, we don’t have the funds to save our people,” Mercredi said.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron said the provincial plan released in May will not work and that First Nations will “put together a Bill that is focused.”
The Chiefs are in support of Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette’s private members bill calling for the creation of a suicide prevention strategy, suggesting the legislation will be more concrete and accountable.
That legislation was voted against by the Sask. Party government in June, prompting Durocher’s walk.
“Suicide is a huge issue and it continues to affect us each and everyday and its something we need to give hope and do something concrete,” explained Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson.
Chief Mercredi in his closing comment sent a message to the province stating that children matter.
Durocher has committed to leaving the Legislative grounds September 13. The province is seeking a court order to remove Durocher and his teepee from the grounds, arguing Durocher is violating bylaws. The matter will be heard in Regina court Thursday.
(Photo: Chiefs gathered in Regina. By Dan Jones.)