NAN: Fundraiser Launched to Assist Family

THUNDER BAY, ON (September 27, 2018): Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, is asking for community support to assist the family of Karlena Kamenawatamin, a 13-year-old from Bearskin Lake First Nation, who took her own life last week:

“We were devastated with the tragic loss of yet another youth to suicide, and our thoughts and prayers are with Karlena’s family and the community of Bearskin Lake. The community is still struggling to deal with this terrible loss, and we are grateful that an online fundraising campaign has been established to assist the family. We are deeply moved by the generosity of those who have donated.”

The impoverished home that Karlena lived in does not even have electricity. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family, with donations to be used for clothing, mattresses and other household items.

Link to Helping Aprel and Her Kids:https://www.gofundme.com/helping-aprel-and-her-kids

Karlena’s loss was marked with a moment of silence at Queen’s Park at the request of Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, who raised the issue of youth suicide as both a health and housing crisis in northern and remote First Nations.

For more information please contact: Tamara Piche, Communications Officer – (807) 625-4906 or cell (807) 621-5549 or by email tpiche@nan.on.ca

To download news release click here

NT5