BR Wapekeka Suicides – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Jan 20, 2017 

OTTAWA – An indigenous leader says the pain from the suicides of two 12-year-old girls on a remote northern Ontario reserve is “just so overwhelming.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, whose organization represents 49 communities in northern Ontario, says the deaths are impacting the whole region.

Fiddler met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday, as well as Wapekeka (wah-pah-KAY’-kah) spokesman Joshua Frogg and Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon.

It was revealed that the community sent Health Canada a plea for financial aid to combat a suicide crisis, but got no help.

Fiddler told reporters in Ottawa one Health Canada official said it was a bad time to get the request.

Funerals for Jolynn Winter and Chantel Fox were held last week and the school in Wapekeka remains closed.

In a statement late Wednesday, Health Canada said it told the community last fall that it would pursue funding opportunities for Wapekeka.

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(The Canadian Press)

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