FSIN calls for government funding to fight high suicide rates among Sask. First Nations people
CBC
From 2000 to 2020 in Saskatchewan, the rates of hospitalization for self-harm were significantly higher for First Nations people than everyone else, according to a new report by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
"On average, rates were more than seven times higher for status First Nations females and over four times higher for status First Nations males," the report says.
The FSIN represents Saskatchewan's First Nations. It is seeking federal and provincial funding to reverse those patterns of self-harm with a life promotion proposal.
The FSIN's new report explores hospitalizations due to harm, assault, mental health and addictions, injury, motor vehicle accidents and falls from 2000 to 2020.
In a news conference Monday morning, many speakers shared their thoughts about, and experiences of, the worsening suicide crisis in their communities.
"The suicide and mental health crisis is another pandemic in itself," Ronald Mitsuing, chief of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, said.
He noted that he lost his sister and a close friend to suicide during last year's holiday season.
"To the federal and provincial government, let's get a move on this. The signs aren't good out there."
The rates of hospitalization due to injury were highest in the two former health regions in Northern Saskatchewan and the Athabasca Health Authority, the report says. Meanwhile, the rates of hospitalization due to mental health and addictions were highest in Saskatchewan's three southernmost former health regions.
Ochapowace Nation Chief Okimaw Iskwew Margaret Bear said there are many factors that lead to suicides in her community. Ochapowace is about 150 kilometres east of Regina.
"Suicides were and are happening in my community in Ochapowace Nation. Mental health, addiction, gang activities and such issues are still there," Bear said.
"The gift of life — with a birth — is so beautiful, but when it comes to a life taken by suicide, it's very devastating."
Bear said families in many communities are still reeling from past suicides.
"I'm of a family that saw suicide. My sister took her life back in 1985 and to this date, we never ever got over it," she said.
