Northern First Nation Youth on the Move

Press Release

April 7, 2016, Moose Factory, ON: Youth from Northern Mushkegowuk First Nations are undertaking a “Walk for Awareness” along the winter ice road that links Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations. Braving cold winds and blowing snow these youth are showing their determination to stand up for health living and mutual support in the face of a suicide epidemic shaking remote First Nations in Northern Ontario.

The growing number of youth participating in the walk hope to meet up sometime later today, mid-way between their communities.

Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon today said that “I am deeply moved by the determination of these youth to support each other in the face of their hardships. I am calling on all Mushkegowuk citizens to support them and pray for their strength and safety. Please keep all our youth in your thoughts and prayers. These are our future leaders who will make our communities stronger and healthier in the years to come.”

The Grand Chief was grateful that Mushkegowuk Council received word this week that the Government of Ontario has committed funding to re-establish a regional youth department in the organization. The department will allow Mushkegowuk Council to once again support regional youth initiatives. The Grand Chief hopes to see staff in place by this summer.

The Grand Chief has also been contacted by a Mushkegowuk Youth who wants to walk this summer to Toronto to raise awareness about the struggles with suicide. Planning for that journey will take place over the next few weeks.

“It is a very powerful symbol that our youth are walking together into the future to support their peers. We as leaders will continue to do everything we can to support them along their healing journeys.” Concluded Solomon.

For further enquiries contact Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon: 705-363-7122 {cell) or Email: grandchief@mushkegowuk.ca

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