Pageant winner speaks about youth suicide on reserves – TheSpec.com

Six Nations’ Aleria McKay first Indigenous winner of Miss Teenage Ontario

In April 2017, Aleria McKay attempted suicide.

“It’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time,” she said.

“Growing up on the reserve, I’ve seen people die by suicide, people with suicidal thoughts,” said the 18-year-old Six Nations resident.

She is healing.

She hopes that she’ll be able to send out the message that even if a person feels they can’t turn to friends or family for help if they’re having suicidal thoughts, “there are places you can go … there are other resources you can connect to.”