Canada

First Nations leaders call for plan to address youth suicide





Native leaders are calling for a national action plan to address youth suicide following the death of a chief's son.

Dwayne Moonias, 29, the son of Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias, took his life last month. The band had declared a state of emergency in spring 2013 after seeing a rash of suicide and suicide attempts among youth.

Harvey Yesno, the Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Ontario, called for long-term solutions. Mental health, addictions counseling and other resources are needed, he said.

"It can't be just ... fly in, fly out... crisis intervention,” Yesno told CBC News.

Get the Story:
Suicide of Neskantaga chief's son renews calls for action (CBC 1/8)

An Opinion:
Bob Rae: Let’s remember Chris Peloso with a national plan on suicide prevention (The Globe and Mail 12/31)

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