Our Children Are Sacred
Author: Chrystal Thornton, Program Coordinator, Ben Calf Robe Society
Suicide is an urgent public health crisis, especially for Indigenous people in Canada. In response to the high demand for an Indigenous suicide prevention program and the gaps that currently exist, a team of front line workers from various disciplines, all with significant experience in responding to disclosures of suicide, were brought together in Edmonton at Ben Calf Robe Society to create focus groups. The focus groups collaborated to develop an Indigenous Suicide Prevention Program, keeping in mind the recommendations as put forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The Our Children Are Sacred Youth Suicide Prevention Program (“the Program”) was thus created. This Program was designed to empower individuals and communities to identify when someone is at risk; reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and self-inflicted injuries in communities; and to give all community members the tools to respond appropriately when a suicide risk has been identified. All components of the Program adhere to best practices and honour Indigenous ways of knowing, while also recognizing the strengths and resilience that exist in communities. The concept of Culture as Wellness is woven throughout all components of the Program, while providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to disclosures of suicide.
Over the course of 2 days, the 12 Modules will cover:
The historical context that has contributed to the higher suicide rates amongst Indigenous people in Canada.
The impact of trauma, intergenerational trauma and sexual violence on survivors.
How grief and loss impacts mental wellness.
The importance of healthy relationships.
The impact of social media, bullying and cyberbullying on young people.
The impact of lateral violence in communities.
The importance of developing and fostering a strong sense of identity and pride.
The warning signs and risk factors of suicide.
The importance of youth engagement.
Protective factors that can contribute to wellness.
Resources available in each specific community.
The importance of both the continuum of care and self-care.
Our Children is Sacred is available to all members of the community over the age of 18. The Program was initially designed to be delivered in-person but the project team is currently working diligently to roll out a virtual version of the Program in the coming months. The virtual version will offer condensed content but will endeavour to meet the needs of communities until we are able to safely resume in person courses.
If you would like more information on Our Children are Sacred, please contact Chrystal Thornton, Program Coordinator at (587)991-8854 or at cthornton@bcrsociety.ab.ca.
Ben Calf Robe’s mission is: “Our Children Are Sacred. Our work will strive to protect and enhance that sacredness by providing Indigenous children and their families with holistic education, supportive social services, and a program of high quality and cultural relevance.”
Visit https://www.bcrsociety.ab.ca/about for more information.