The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), located 800 km north of Winnipeg, has declared a state of emergency following a tragic increase in suicides. Within the last six months, five lives have been lost to suicide, with three deaths occurring in the past two weeks alone.
Chief and council expressed grave concern over the risk of further loss, noting the potential for suicide clusters within a community already grappling with trauma and grief. The declaration also highlighted an increase in suicidal ideation and self-harm, straining local emergency services.
NCN is urgently requesting federal, provincial, and First Nation partner assistance. They are seeking mobile mental health crisis response teams, culturally-aware mental health services, with specialized support for youth, and long-term investments for community healing.