As the unfolding crisis in Attawapiskat touches hearts across our country, a group of women in Debert, N.S., have united to make a difference in the lives of First Nation teenagers living in the province.
Pictou Landing First Nation and RCMP hosted the wellness event for young women, entitled Empowering our Youth through Promoting Wellness.
From drum making and dancing shawls, to discussions about self-respect, violence and peer pressure – the campuses cultural teaching tools to build confidence and help young women get back to their roots.
“We feel that's very important to them for their well-being, for them to be a part of their culture and involve culture into the weekend,” said organizer Const. Shaylene Sutherland.
The remote northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat declared a state of emergency last week after 11 of its members attempted suicide in one weekend.
It's a bleak picture of dire and deadly conditions on some Canadian reserves – conditions the women hope to prevent.
“They need to be aware of what the possibilities and outcomes of certain choices can make, so empowering them with that knowledge will help them make those healthy choices,” said Const. Sutherland.
Elizabeth Francis is one of 18 teenagers from Pictou Landing First Nation who spent their weekend at the wellness retreat.
“When I came here, I guess I wasn't on the right path. I was making wrong decisions,” said Francis. “This, I guess, is teaching me to get on the right path and make right decisions between what's wrong and right.”
Laela Denny says the retreat has a warm environment.
“Everybody's getting along, everybody's happy, not usually do a lot of stuff to come closer like this,” she said.
Const. Sutherland says nurturing a cultural identity is important for the health of the whole community.
“Access to resources is limited, and losing those traditional values through the residential schools is something we're trying to address, and trying to heal our nation,” said Const. Sutherland.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Caitlin Andrea.
