Manitoba First Nation calling for immediate help

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has been tapped to lead the rollout of the 988 suicide crisis line, which was approved for launch on Wednesday by the CRTC. Photo: Vladimir Mun.

Posted May 22, 2023 5:13 pm.

Editor’s Note: Some of the details in this report are graphic and may be disturbing to some readers *CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of suicide*

A Northern Manitoba First Nation is calling for immediate help to address the community’s isolation problem after the recent suicides of two teen girls and attempts by five others have deeply impacted the community.

“We shouldn’t have to be asking for all these resources and everything that we need in the community,” said Chief Darryl Wastesicoot, York Factory First Nation in Manitoba.

Chief Wastesicoot is from the York Factory First Nation, about 936 km north of Winnipeg. He says an overall lack of resources and the remoteness of the community, is leading to this worsening tragedy.

“Our community is very small, and very tight knit, so this is just absolutely devastating for us.”

In the warmer months, the community becomes only accessible by air or ferry, after the winter ice roads are closed. Wastesicoot says the ferry doesn’t start until early June, and Perimeter Aviation, which serves the first nation, has limited the number of seats for passengers to and from the community at six.

“This hasn’t happened before. This cap was never put on us and we don’t understand why it happened. Any delay or barriers in transportation has a significant impact (on the community).”

Wastesicoot says this cap makes it hard for people to leave the community.

In a statement to CityNews, Carlos Castillo, the Vice-President of Perimeter Aviation’s Northern Division says there are factors that do not allow them to take a full load of passengers in the summer months.

Castillo says the runway length at the airport, along with warmer temperatures results in restrictions from Transport Canada on available passenger loads. He says they are adding additional flights to compensate for this restriction, “Communication and coordination with local leadership is ongoing to ensure the demand is met while a permanent increase in capacity is achieved.”

Darryle Schweder, a youth advocate with Shamattawa First Nation, says there is a major lack of services in remote and First Nation communities across the country.

“If it’s not acceptable in the city and in those areas, why is it acceptable in First Nations,” said Schweder.

Back in May of 2021, Shamattawa First Nation, about 750 kilometres north-east of Winnipeg, declared a state of emergency due to a suicide crisis.

Schweder who is a youth advocate in the community says the pandemic and sheer isolation from society were two major reasons for this crisis, and still impact residents to this day.

“It’s an increasing issue, it’s a growing issue that stems from intergenerational trauma.”

Schweder says there are several factors that lead to the feeling of isolation.

“Housing, poverty, poor education, poor health, lack of programs and services.”

In March, York Factory was one of 11 Manitoba First Nations that declared a state of emergency due to problems within public safety, health services and infrastructure. He says it’s frustrating that in 2023, communities like his are still dealing with these issues.

“I’d just like to ask why this is happening in our communities and why isn’t Canada and the provinces not doing anything about our situations. Why are we still isolated in this great country of ours?” asked Wastesicoot.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, there are resources available.