Indigenous peoples are a diverse and dynamic population and represent the fastest growing demographic in the country. However, Indigenous peoples remain the most disadvantaged group in Canada with poorer health, lower levels of education and income and high levels of violence and unemployment, compared to non-indigenous populations. The complex personal and social circumstances that many Indigenous children and youth face affects their mental health, and has led to increased levels of suicide in Indigenous communities.
In Canada, for indigenous youth and adults up to 44 years of age, suicide and self-inflicted injuries are the leading causes of death. Suicide clusters are a phenomenon commonly seen in isolated indigenous communities where one youth suicide will motivate other youth to attempt suicide.
Research and youth agree: developing peer support networks in communities is an integral step to addressing youth suicide rates.
In partnership with Kenora Chiefs Advisory, we have prioritized responding to the epidemic of youth suicide in Indigenous communities through our life promotion program, Wiisokodaadig Peer Helper Program.
How we’re encouraging life promotion among Indigenous youth
The Wiisokodaadig Peer Helper Program is a community-based approach to life promotion, helping Indigenous youth cope and build resilience and confidence in experiencing life challenges. It provides youth with the opportunity to gain skills in decision-making, mediation and conflict resolution, communication, identifying community resources, and personal skills. The program helps them to determine the risk and how to notify an adult or emergency personnel if needed.
The Wiisokodaadig Peer Helper Program utilizes a holistic approach by incorporating culture and traditions into the curriculum, through Elders sharing teachings and ceremonies. The youth learn more about their identity, culture, and what it means to be a Peer Helper. This blend of both contemporary and traditional aspects of Indigenous culture and education appeals directly to the young people’s experiences.
Currently, the Wiisokodaadig Peer Helper Program is working with young people from 13 First Nations communities across Northern Ontario; and to date, it has directly reached close to 600 First Nation youth.