Suicide Among Aboriginal People in Canada - Institut universitaire ...

Chapter 6Planning and CoordinationA comprehensive suicide prevention program requires a central coordinating group to ensure that there areno gaps in the system and there is no duplication. This group should involve representatives from majorsectors of the community: youth, respected Elders, caregivers, professionals (from health, social services,and education), local government, and others. Inter-agency collaboration should be encouraged in order tofully utilize the strengths of all concerned, resulting in a comprehensive strategy responsive to the changingneeds of individuals and the community. Together they may create or adapt programs that reflect the truenature of the community. The immediate effect of such collaboration will be a coordinated response tosuicide prevention. The long-term effects will be the strengthening of the community and cultural identity,as well as the emergence of local control that will improve the health of both individuals and communities.This coordinating group should also link with and supervise a research team who can help design andcarry out evaluations on the prevention activities and programs.PreventionPrimary suicide prevention strategies for Aboriginal communities should include the activities listed below:1) Peer counselling in which a group of youth are trained in basic listening skills and are identified as resourcepeople for other youth in crisis.2) A school curriculum that incorporates learning about positive mental health, the recognition of suicide,substance use, and other problems as serious mental health issues, as well as cultural heritage as a sourceof ways of healthy coping.3) Recreational and sports programs for children and young people to combat boredom and alienation,and to foster peer support and a sense of belonging.4) Workshops on life skills, problem solving, and communication for children and young people; much ofthis can be given by youth counsellors who could provide positive role models.5) Family life education and parenting skills workshops for new parents and adults.6) Support groups for individuals and families at risk (e.g. young mothers, recovering substance abusers,ex-offenders who have returned to the community after serving time).7) Cultural programs and activities for the community at large (e.g. recording and transmitting thetraditions of elders, camping on the land, ceremonial feasts, Aboriginal language courses).8) Collaboration between community workers in health, social services, and education to promote integrationof services.9) Training in mental health promotion and suicide risk factor awareness for lay and professional helpers.10) Opening lines of communication by creating opportunities for community members to express theirconcerns and interests (e.g. town council or community meetings and gatherings).107