Attawapiskat is a Cree First Nation Community in northern Ontario with a population of approximately 2000 residents. The community has declared a state of emergency as they deal with an epidemic of suicide attempts among its young people. Since September 2015, over 100 suicide attempts have been made with 28 being in the month of March alone. Both provincial and federal government response teams have been sent to the community to deal with the crisis. While these measures will assist the community in dealing with the emergency situation that exists today, a long-term plan must be developed to address the suicide problem.
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What to pray for….
*The people of Attawapiskat particularly young people who have a sense of hopelessness and consider suicide a solution to feelings of desperation.
*Health workers in the community who have been working tirelessly in the community. Pray for strength, wisdom and insight as they address the immediate needs facing the community.
*Long term solutions to address the problems faced by Attawapiskat and so many First Nations communities which include poverty, inadequate housing, contaminated water and a lack of educational and employment opportunities.
*Sensitive and compassionate hearts for those of us in the non-Aboriginal community toward our fellow First Nations citizens.
