"OTTAWA -- Two recent deaths among the members of the Neskantaga First Nation have prompted
the remote northern Ontario community to declare a state of emergency in the hope of getting help to prevent the spread of suicide.
The First Nation northeast of Thunder Bay has seen two of its members die over the last two weeks, throwing the fragile community of 300 into grief and fear for the stability of other families.
Chief Peter Moonias said that just as the community was burying the first victim -- a man in his 30s -- they learned of the death of a 19-year-old from Neskantaga living in Thunder Bay.
The problems come just a few months after another young man took his life there in December, a tragedy that prompted the community to close ranks and put its youth on suicide watch to prevent additional deaths.
"One suicide, we could have handled. ... Not easily, but we could have come back," said Moonias.
But the suicides are coming so close together that almost no one in the community of about 300 has been left untouched, he said. And now, they can't cope.
Community and regional leaders decided to declare the state of emergency Wednesday to get help from the Red Cross and the Ontario government's emergency management office.
Moonias said he was also hoping for help from any level of government in putting together a long-term plan that will confront Neskantaga's serious problems with addiction to prescription drugs."
CTV News
"The refrain, “An enemy has done this” can be very effective. We know that mental illness, including depression, can result in suicide. I’m convinced that “an enemy has done this” and the experience of the master in knowing the difference between weeds and wheat, what was planted and what was not, who a person is and what awful things have been a part of that person’s life cannot be underestimated.
At least consider it." PonderingPastor
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| Nothern Ontario's Ring of Fire area |
The First Nation northeast of Thunder Bay has seen two of its members die over the last two weeks, throwing the fragile community of 300 into grief and fear for the stability of other families.
Chief Peter Moonias said that just as the community was burying the first victim -- a man in his 30s -- they learned of the death of a 19-year-old from Neskantaga living in Thunder Bay.
The problems come just a few months after another young man took his life there in December, a tragedy that prompted the community to close ranks and put its youth on suicide watch to prevent additional deaths.
"One suicide, we could have handled. ... Not easily, but we could have come back," said Moonias.
But the suicides are coming so close together that almost no one in the community of about 300 has been left untouched, he said. And now, they can't cope.
Community and regional leaders decided to declare the state of emergency Wednesday to get help from the Red Cross and the Ontario government's emergency management office.
Moonias said he was also hoping for help from any level of government in putting together a long-term plan that will confront Neskantaga's serious problems with addiction to prescription drugs."
CTV News
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.
Matthew 13:27,28
"The refrain, “An enemy has done this” can be very effective. We know that mental illness, including depression, can result in suicide. I’m convinced that “an enemy has done this” and the experience of the master in knowing the difference between weeds and wheat, what was planted and what was not, who a person is and what awful things have been a part of that person’s life cannot be underestimated.
At least consider it." PonderingPastor