BR Indigenous Suicides – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Jul 19, 2017 

OTTAWA – New mental health workers have arrived in Pikangikum First Nation to help hundreds of people seeking support in the northern Ontario community.

Health Minister Jane Philpott says more nurses are also being sent to the reserve that has long struggled with a high prevalence of suicide including — most recently, the deaths of two girls.

Health Canada is working with other departments and provincial ministries to co-ordinate an immediate response following the recent deaths.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says frontline workers and community members in other reserves are also experiencing a high-degree of burnout due to the suicide crisis.

Fiddler plans to address the push for long-term solutions at a meeting in Ottawa next Monday with Philpott and Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins.

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(The Canadian Press)

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