Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are living in a time where mood and anxiety disorders affect Canadian youth in shocking numbers. Statistics Canada reports that those aged 15 to 24 have the highest rates of all of the groups.
First Nations and Inuit youth are even more severely impacted, Mr. Speaker. We see this in our own communities and in the communities across Canada. Among First Nations people, suicide rates are above the national average. Among Inuit it is between six and 11 times the national average.
Mr. Speaker, this is painful knowledge with real and brutal impacts on the people we serve. I have tried to explore available research, tried to begin to understand why this is happening and what we can do about it. I'd like to share some of what I've learned, Mr. Speaker. In researching I've looked for "the three C's": studies that are current, Canadian, and culturally relevant. As I said yesterday, programs addressing Indigenous youth health absolutely must be region- and culture-specific.
Programming must also recognize the continuing impacts of colonization. While it is conventional for physicians today to understand suicide as something deeply personal, specific to individuals, we can't deny the systemic roots. Researchers have described the mental health crisis in Indigenous communities as a "collective response to ongoing cultural assaults."
Looking at a study of 200 Indigenous communities in British Columbia, I saw valuable lessons learned by our neighbours. Where Indigenous cultures were respected, active, and empowered to grow and flourish, suicides rates were lower. Where communities enacted self-government and the restoration of land title; where languages and traditions, including leadership roles for women, were protected and practiced; and where Indigenous governments exerted control over education, child and family services, and community safety, Indigenous people were healthier and safer.
That means personal is political, Mr. Speaker. Person-specific solutions like the NWT Help Line, expanded counselling options, and enhanced mental health education are certainly critical, but they can't stand alone. Any plan to confront this crisis must support the political and cultural sovereignty of First Nations and Inuit people. Mr. Speaker, what happens at the negotiating table at the Department of Executive is of critical significance to the practices and priorities of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Member for Nunakput, your time for your Member's statement has expired. Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
