Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accepted an invitation to meet with the chief of Attawapiskat in Ottawa at a “mutually convenient time.”
In a letter addressed to Chief Bruce Shisheesh late Thursday, Trudeau said he is deeply concerned with the suicide crisis in the James Bay community and that with the “urgency and gravity of this situation in mind” he has agreed to see Shisheesh.
“I’m excited to meet the prime minister,” said Shisheesh. “I look forward to visiting him and talking to him person to person. Also, to talk to him nation to nation.
“It means a lot knowing that I’m going to be heard.”
Shisheesh sent a letter to Trudeau earlier this week asking for a meeting, citing nine more suicide attempts in his community.
Attawapiskat Chief Bruce Shisheesh says he wants to meet with Trudeau to come up with a long-term solution for his community. (CBC)
Attawapiskat has been under a state of emergency since April.
Shisheesh said, “While the efforts of your ministers is appreciated to date, it falls short [of] finding a permanent solution for our youth.”
Trudeau said he is committed to meeting with youth from the communities of Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and Nishnawbe Aski Nation and to speak with elected officials about the challenges they face in their communities.
“I am agonized to see the number of suicide attempts by young people in Attawapiskat,” said Trudeau.
“I wish to express my sincere support for the families and community members who are affected by this tragic situation.”
Trudeau said he looks forward to visiting Attawapiskat in the near future.
Minister of Health Jane Philpott is also expected to visit the community soon.
Prime Minister’s letter to Chief Bruch Shiseesh
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