Mikisew Cree First Nation declares state of local emergency following multiple suicides

A First Nation in northern Alberta has declared a state of local emergency following a string of suicide and suicide attempts among community members. 

The Mikisew Cree First Nation says immediate medical intervention is needed in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. to address a mounting mental health crisis among members.

Suicides and suicide attempts have been increasing in the remote community accessible only by plane, boat or ice road, about 280 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, the MCFN said in a statement Tuesday. 

If additional mental health resources don't arrive soon, community leaders fear the trend will have a tragic ripple effect among members.

"Leadership is also gravely concerned about the imminent potential of suicidal clusters, suicidal ideations, and suicidal planning among our youth," the statement reads.

"Our nation urgently needs mental health support in our community to address the immediate and short-term crisis and sustained funding for mental health and addictions in the long term, focusing on health promotion, prevention and reclaiming cultural identity." 

The state of local emergency was declared Monday following a vote by the chief and council.

WATCH | Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro discusses the situaiton in Fort Chipewyan, Alta.

In a video posted to social media, Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro said the community has called on the federal and provincial governments, including Alberta Health Services and Indigenous Services Canada, to provide immediate support and long-term, sustainable funding for community mental health supports. 

CBC News has requested comment from the federal and provincial governments. Alberta Health Services declined to comment. 

The community is also calling for a mental health crisis response team to be immediately dispatched to the community, Tuccaro said. 

He did not provide an exact number but said multiple suicides have been reported. 

He said outside support is needed to end a pattern of self-destructive behaviour in the community. 

"We can feel the grief amongst the people, the hurt," he said.