WAPEKEKA FIRST NATION -- A remote First Nation in the midst of a suicide crisis is now getting military help.
Canadian Rangers are on the ground in Wapekeka First Nation, providing support after three youth suicides in just six months.
Wapkeka declared a state of emergency last month, after a third 12-year old committed suicide.
The First Nation has been stretched thin by the discovery of a youth suicide pact, and around 20 Rangers are now in the community, providing assistance.
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Richardson is the commanding officer of the 3rd Ranger Patrol.
He says the Rangers are pulling double duty, providing youth programming during the day and patrol work at night.
“It’s to observe and advise role,” Richardson said. “In the daytime, we did youth programming with our junior team in the Ranger program where they would try and get the kids active and involved through sports and out on the land training.”
Richardson says the Rangers will be in Wapekeka for another week, however, other groups like Right to Play are already in the community.
(TBT News)
