SHESHATSHIU, N.L. — Premier Dwight Ball says he is “extremely saddened and concerned” after the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation declared a suicide crisis in the community.
On Tuesday, the Innu Nation declared a state of emergency in Sheshatshiu, following an estimated 10 suicide attempts in the community.
In the statement, Sheshatshiu Innu Chief Eugene Hart says a number of recent tragedies in the community have led to a desperate situation.
“Our community has been struggling the last number of months as we have had 14 people pass away of natural causes in our community and the necessary supports to deal with the grief in the community hasn’t been in place,” reads the statement.
“We feel it has led to a situation of grief throughout our community leading to many of our youth who have issues to become at greater risk.”
Ball says he spoke with Hart about the declaration and is working to support the community.
“The provincial government and the Innu leadership are focusing their efforts on providing counselling and other forms of assistance for youth. Two social workers with Labrador-Grenfell Health have been providing support and counselling in the community since Saturday,” reads the statement from Ball.
“Appeals for help from the community of Sheshatshiu underscore the fact that while much has been accomplished in improving mental-health and addictions services throughout the province, much more needs to be done.”
Hart says the community has asked a number of organizations for support, and is hoping for support for the Mary May Healing Centre, Ussinuin Youth Centre and Mani Ashini to help the community through the difficult time.
The Mary May Healing Centre is providing 24/7 support in Sheshatshiu, as well as social worker Julie Pike, as well as a youth outreach worker and mental-health nurse at the Mary May Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“These short-term solutions will allow us to work to establish longer-term services that can provide necessary supports in our community,” Hart stated.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to come together as a community during this time and help everyone who may be in trouble to get the help and care they need. We feel the pain that is being felt in our community and hope to find a way forward to heal together.”
Twitter: @DavidMaherNL
- Mental Health Crisis Line 737-4668 or 1-888-737-4668
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
- Crisis Text Line – Text ‘Talk’ to 686868
- First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310
- Mental Health and Addictions Systems Navigator
- Call 752-3916 or 1-877-999-7589; VRS calls are welcome or Email: [email protected]
- Warm Line 1-855-753-2560 or 753-2560
- Gambling Help Line 1-888-899-HELP (4357)
- For more information about services call the Provincial HealthLine at 811 or visit www.bridgethegapp.ca
Doorways – Labrador-Grenfell Health, Sheshatshiu
Every Thursday in community - 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mani Ashini Community Clinic
Residents of Sheshatshiu can also call and receive telephone support from the Doorways clinic at the Labrador Health Centre from home or at the Mani Ashini Clinic at (709) 897-2343 at the following times:
- Monday - 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Friday - 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mental Health & Addictions Department, Labrador Health Centre
227 Hamilton River Road
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1C0
(709) 897-2343
To access Doorways services residents of Sheshatshiu can travel to the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. There are extended walk-in hours on Tuesdays until 10 p.m., as follows:
- Every Monday - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Every Tuesday - 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Every Wednesday - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Every Thursday - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Every Friday - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.