Residents of Saddle Lake spent a meaningful morning and afternoon together, at the Embracing Life Sharing Hope for the Future To Prevent Suicide One Day Gathering on Sept. 17.
The event was made up of a series of talks put on by those whose lives have been touched by suicide. Speakers included people who have attempted suicide, and those who have lost someone close to them from suicide.
Saddle Lake Coun. Shannon Houle said that while growing up in the community, suicide was commonplace. As a community member and councillor, she was proud to see such a day take place.
“These kinds of events are all about supporting nation members, empowering and showing them how to take back their identity, overcome their challenges, and embrace life,” said Houle.
“We use this as a way to understand what makes us unique as Cree people. People learn not just to survive here, but to flourish.”
Counselors and other professionals were present, with the aim of the day’s discussion to break down barriers and show people who are going through emotional distress that they are not alone, and that suicide should not be an option.
Issues tackled in the talks included grief, depression and addictions.
“We have elders, therapists, and community members and they’re all on the frontline here. They all have voices on the topic,” said Roberta Whiskeyjack, a community wellness coordinator with the Crisis Response Emotional Support Team (CREST).
In addition to the talks, there was also interaction built into the day, with Jerry Harmon, a counselor from Arizona, walking people through adventure therapy.
Activities included a number of trust building and “ice breaking” activities such as a collaborative jump rope game, an activity where people were asked to walk across a line on the floor if the questions applied to them. It also included groups of people carrying each other across the gym to demonstrate how important mutual support and communication is.
“It’s heartwarming to know that we have individuals within the leadership capacity in our community, to put on events like this,” Coun. Dennis Steinhauer said of the event. He felt the work of CREST and the Eagle Healing Lodge were two examples of the community in Saddle Lake looking out for its own.
“They promote wellbeing…to help overcome what’s causing grief,” he said. “From a leadership perspective, we back them 100 per cent.”
Tauri Nokohoo, a junior high student attending the event, said the day was useful.
“I think it’s really inspiring to know people are here trying to help. It’s good to see them reach out and tell us we’re not alone.”
