On Saturday, April 16th, 2016, a group of Akwesasronon organized a candlelight vigil in solidarity and support of the First Nation of Attawapiskat.
In a somewhat flash mob approach, the group marched across traffic in the Hogansburg four corners, to the bridge with signs of hope and support for the First Nation community, in light of their recent surge of suicides in their small Northern territory. Attawapiskat has experienced 44 suicides, including attempts, since March 2016.
After the candlelight vigil, a group discussion took place to make plans for immediate and long term actions; from sending letters of encouragement, to sending books with notes written in them, the group also planned for a future meeting to develop further plans to send Attawapiskat more necessary and sustainable provisions.
The next meeting is set for April 20th, 2016 at Generations Park at 6PM. All good minds are welcome.
Attawapiskat is an isolated First Nation of Northern Ontario. It is a fly in community; except during winter months when their ice roads are accessible. This troubled nation is riddled with Third World conditions that is causing the youth in the community to lose hope.
For more information please visit the public Facebook group: Akwesasne For Attawapiskat, as well as the public group: Attawapiskat Suicide Awareness. If you are interested in sending letters of support to the youth in Attawapiskat, the address shared is P.O. Box 248, Attawapiskat, ON P0L 1A0 .
By: Ohseraséia:hawi
