APFA Press Release

December 18, 2003

With the holiday season being a time of families getting together, the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord (APFA) urges both aboriginal and non-aboriginal families to consider discussing a difficult subject - suicide . With suicide occurring up to more than twice as often within the B.C. Interior aboriginal population, as opposed to the non-aboriginal population, the Accord stresses families must let loved ones know they should turn to a trusted family member in time of crisis. These people in crisis must understand they'll be treated with dignity if they reach out for help.

"There is a stigma society places on the S-word. If a family discusses suicide, it's believed they are admitting to being somewhat mentally unhealthy. Nothing could be further from the truth," said APFA Transition Coordinator Eliza Terbasket who has a background in social work. "Families need to discuss the fact suicide happens even in the most ideal family structures. People will say, 'That would never happen in my family.' Unfortunately, it can and it does.

"Victims of suicide often feel a sense of hopelessness and believe there is nowhere else to turn. When in crisis, they must be able to turn to a trusted family member and know they'll be treated with respect."

Those contemplating suicide are encouraged to contact a trusted family member, friend or their local crisis centre. Crisis line phone numbers are listed on the first Emergency page in your local Telus directory.

The following are facts about the tragic loss of suicide;

•  in the aboriginal community, the highest suicide rates are among youth aged 15-24

•  providing awareness has a positive effect of helping curb suicides among youth

•  children under 10-years-old have taken their own life

•  more males die by suicide than their female counterparts

•  in Canada, suicide was second leading cause of death among those 10-24 years

•  due to a media ban on covering suicides, the majority go unreported to the public

•  interpersonal conflict, relationship break-up and academic problems are the top three most common stress factors in suicides among all suicide victims under 25-years-old

 

The APFA is working towards securing more input for aboriginal people, including First Nations, urban aboriginal communities and the Métis Nation, concerning the health and safety of their children and youth. Even though aboriginal children make up only eight percent of this province's population between 0-18 years, as of June they accounted for about 45 percent of B.C.'s children in care. By contrast in 1995, aboriginal children made up about 35 percent of this province's children in care.

More information about this Ministry of Children and Family Development process is available online at: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca

For further information contact APFA spokespeople:

Bob Pasco Political Chair (250) 455-2711

Eliza Terbasket Transition Coordinator (250) 707-0095 ext.117

Debbie Abbott Board Chair (250) 455-2711

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