Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario declared a state of emergency

Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario declared a state of emergency in mid-April after two suicides in less than a week. This brings the total lost to suicide to seven deaths in the past year, and 20 suicide attempts. A recent health report stated that of the community’s 400 members, half of them struggle with addictions. Only a handful of adults are available to help family members and do all the jobs in the community, reports the CBC. A leader said the burgeoning mining community is adding to the misery in the community. “It’s just a lot of pressure, I think, from the outside,” Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said, “as well as trying to deal with what’s happening right in their community.” Canada and the province responded to the call for help with promises of additional nursing and counselling staff. “Our hearts go out to those who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide,” said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq in a written statement.