NationTalk: Thunder Bay, ON – On September 10, 2024, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) would like to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day and highlight the importance of creating safe spaces to support open discussion.

The World Health Organization’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme this year is “changing the narrative on suicide” and has a call to action for each of us to “Start the Conversation.” ONWA encourages communities to hold space for open conversations about suicide, reduce stigma, and raise awareness about the importance of supporting one another to foster healing and safety within our communities.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst youth, and these rates are disproportionately higher within Indigenous youth community. ONWA is committed to continuing to support vital conversations around suicide and to providing safe spaces and supports for Indigenous youth through culturally grounded programming that emphasizes Indigenous youth leadership, wellness, and capacity building.

ONWA encourages youth community members across Ontario to take part in the co-development of our Sacred Self, Resilient Spirit: Connection Card Project. This project will incorporate youth community members’ knowledge to create a resource that youth can use to foster positive mental health and healing strategies. Please visit https://forms.office.com/r/KDu7jF7nhB to share your knowledge.

ONWA is committed to helping Indigenous women, youth, and their families honor and celebrate life and the sacredness that comes from within. ONWA’s Youth Life Promotion Program works with communities across Ontario to build capacity while empowering youth education, mentorship, cultural support and leadership. This wholistic approach develops confidence and skills encouraging youth to take up their leadership roles, support each other and become strong leaders for the future. For more information on the program please visit: https://www.onwa.ca/youth-life-promotion

For more information and media inquiries, contact:

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca