Suicide And Suicide In Canada

First Nation communities across Canada are experiencing a surge in suicide and suicide attempts, particularly among those aged 15-24. Consequently, First Nation youths within this age group are more than five times more likely to commit suicide than their non- First Nation peers (Mark,2013). Although these statistics are grim, suicide ideation (thoughts of seriously considering suicide) among adults is equally worrisome (Mark, 2013). A 2008-10 survey conducted by the First Nations Information Governance Centre revealed that nearly 25% of First Nation adults had contemplated suicide at some point in their lives (CTV). To put things in perspective, suicidal thoughts among non- First Nation adults rests at approximately 9%.
Tim Fontaine’s article, “Poverty, inequality fueling suicide crisis, First Nations leader says Governments must do more than respond to emergencies, says Northern Manitoba grand chief”, further examines this most pressing social issue and provides a more comprehensive overview of the root causes and governmental responses to the suicide crisis that is plaguing many Aboriginal communities across Canada. …show more content…
The staggering number of suicides over the past decade, including more recently a 10-year-old girl from northwestern Ontario, has driven many Aboriginal communities to declare states of emergency. A report from 2010 states that “the suicide rate for children under 15 in some Ontario First Nations is more than 50 times the national average”. Whereas Nunavut does not fare any better as, “Inuit in Nunavut take their own lives nearly 10 times more than other