Mushkegowuk Council 25th Annual Assembly

State of Emergency on the Suicide Crisis

Attawapiskat First Nation

Kashechewan First Nation

Gerald Mattinas, Proxy Attawapiskat First Nation

WHEREAS as a result of the suicide epidemic in our communities and as directed by the Emergency Summit on the Suicide Crisis, the Grand Chief declared a State of Emergency on the suicide epidemic on May 13, 201O; and

Fort Albany First Nation

Moose Cree First Nation

New Post First Nation

Chief Andrew Solomon Fort Albany First Nation

WHEREAS the Declaration calls upon the leadership, communities and the Ontario and Federal governments to respond to the suicide crisis; and

WHEREAS there exists many recommendations, proposals and other reports that present actions and strategies to address the suicide epidemic; and

Chapleau Cree First Nation

Missanabie Cree First Nation

Certified copy of a resolution passed on September 16, 2010

Resolution No. 2010-09-19

WHEREAS Ontario and Canada provided an Intergovernmental Response letter dated August 17, 2010 that represents their response to the declared state of emergency; in collaboration with Weeneebayko Health Ahtuskaywin, James Bay Mental Health Program, Payukotayno, and community crisis coordinators, the Intergovernmental Response letter was reviewed; and

September 16, 2010

Missanabie, Ontario

WHEREAS suicide continues to adversely affect every home within the Mushkegowuk region;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that based on the urgent need for

community support, this Mamohitowin of the Omushkegowuk accepts the offer as presented in the August 17, 2010 letter from Ontario and Canada, subject to the conditions as presented in the Grand Chief's August 30, 2010 letter to First Nations Inuit Health Branch and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Mamohitowin of the Omushkegowuk supports the recommendation presented in the Emergency Summit on Suicide Report that calls for a follow up Emergency Summit on the Suicide Crisis to be held this winter, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Mamohitowin of the Omushkegowuk recommends that the current State of Emergency remain in effect until such time that the Regional Crisis Response Unit is activated and funding is confirmed to conduct a Public Inquiry as requested by the office of the Grand Chief; and

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Mamohitowin of the Omushkegowuk directs the Office of the Grand Chief to examine short and long term strategies that will create global awareness and generate revenue for addressing suicide in the Mushkegowuk region.