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Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Declares State of Emergency Due to Mental Health Crisis
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in northern Manitoba has declared a state of emergency following four suicides in the past month, including three in the last two weeks. The community is seeking immediate support from provincial, federal, and First Nations partners, including mobile crisis response teams and mental health services.
Apr 8, 1:41 PM·2m read1 source
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Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, located 65 kilometres west of Thompson and 655 kilometres north of Winnipeg, has declared a state of emergency in response to a mental health crisis. The community reported four deaths by suicide in the past month, with three occurring in the last two weeks.
An additional suicide took place in the fall, resulting in five such deaths over the last six months, according to a news release from Chief Angela Levasseur on Wednesday.
The release also noted several other suicide attempts in the community. Nisichawayasihk is requesting immediate, coordinated intervention from provincial, federal, and First Nations partners. Specific requests include the deployment of mobile crisis response teams, mental health clinicians, therapists, cultural support workers, and youth-specific mental health services.
workers and health staff in Nisichawayasihk are reported to be exhausted and grieving alongside community members.
The crisis has imposed emotional and psychological strain on residents, leadership, and service providers. The community is also seeking long-term, sustainable investments in prevention and healing programs. Chief Levasseur emphasized the importance of community members checking on each other and seeking help without fear or shame.
The release stated that the chief and council are collaborating with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Keewatin Tribal Council, Indigenous Services Canada, and regional partners to coordinate crisis response and develop short- and long-term strategies.
The news release provided contact information for support services.
These include the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre at 204-484-2341 or counselling on-call at 431-354-1270; Klinic Crisis Line at 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019; Hope for Wellness helpline at 1-855-242-3310; and Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
