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Hello- Ainngai InuktitutHello- Salut-french Hello- tanisi, Cree Hello- Boozhoo or Aaniin, Ojibewa10/29/2016 Today the number First Nations children in the child welfare system surpasses over 4 times of those who were forced into the residential schools, the poverty and disparities have grown un- proportionately in comparison to main stream Canadian children’s populations. The rate of suicide is also staggering, an epidemic, described by some as, “babies killing themselves,” . Recently a child as young as 10 killed herself. First Nations receive negligible levels of philanthropic funding for children, youth, and families as compared over ninety billion dollars provided to other Canadians. (From Truth to Reconciliation | 167) Living in remote communities can create a sense of aloneness, children are social its how we learn, by mimicking others. With no community activities, impoverished conditions, as this was by design when reservations were forced upon first nations people, there was no economic growth or infrastructures development, schools, medical facilities were not considered when government implemented the Indian act and created reservations. Change is needed, we can be the change needed. Each Canadian can reach out to our First Nations families their youth the children and elderly. We can support and help with some of the nessities of life, food. shelter clothing and clean water. We can show love, respect and understanding today starting with a greeting card. Hello- Boozhoo or Aaniin, Ojibewa Hello- tanisi, Cree Hello- Salut-french Hello- Ainngai Inuktitut The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, they speak to me. The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm of the sea, speaks to me. The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning, the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me. The strength of the fire, the taste of the salmon, the trail of the sun, and the life that never goes away,they speak to me. And my heart soars. (Chief Dan George) Earlier this month, the federal government launched a toll-free number for First Nations and Inuit people who are experiencing mental health issues. That number is 1-855-242-3310. If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them, according to the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention. Here are some of the warning signs: Suicidal thoughts. Substance abuse. Purposelessness. Anxiety. Feeling trapped. Hopelessness and helplessness. Withdrawal. Anger. Recklessness. Mood changes. Crisis Response Services Individuals who live in BC and who are looking for immediate support for themselves, a friend or family member can call 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433) The following websites also provide resources, information and online support to those in distress http://www.youthinbc.com/ or http://www.youthspace.ca/ or http://www.mindcheck.ca/ or http://www.yourlifecounts.org/# For a complete list of all crisis line numbers in BC go to http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/index_files/Page338.htm For a user-friendly, comprehensive summary of additional ways to get help go to http://mindyourmind.ca/help Crisis Support for Aboriginal Peoples Native Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-877-209-1266 British Columbia Aboriginal People Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 A National Indian Residential School 24-hour Crisis Line provides support for residential school survivors. Call 1-866-925-4419 Support for GLTBQ youth Prideline is open weeknights (Monday to Friday) from 7pm to 10pm. It is staffed by trained volunteers who can provide information, support, and referrals to gay, lesbian, transgendered, bisexual, queer and questioning youth. Vancouver/ Lower Mainland: 604 684-6869 1 800 566-1170 (toll-free) in BC A list of provincial and national LGBTQ friendly crisis lines is available on the Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre website Additional information on community resources, events and support services for GLTBQ youth and their families and friends is available at Pflag Canada |
Lola Lawton
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