Canada’s First Family
Attawapiskat
First Nation
Northern Ontario
Where the compass
Points
They die there
At their own hand
Killing the present
The future and
Relation to the
Past
Rich culture made
Impoverished
Reservation life
Ten times more
The young men
Die, for women
Twenty-one times
A child of nine
An elder seventy-
One
A tear (a rush)
A tear (in tragic
Sadness) of
Counselors
Has been hurried
There, but where
Is the missing
Part of life
What will
Resolve the hole
Of promises
Where harsh
Unappealing life
Without prospect
Fifteen living in
A house for
Three or four
Community
Structure minimal
And faulty
A solution is re-
Connection to
Heritage
A renewed climb
To meet sibling
Spirits in the
Skies
Yet once on
Earth again how
Does renewed
Tradition survive
In mortal people
Pushed to the
Edge
Forced into
Living prepared
To push over
The government
Hears; maybe it
Sends the staff
But will it in
Fate complete
The rift of a
Spirit-people
Needing better
Earth to walk
Upon
Notes
U. S. Suicide Rate Surges to a 30-Year High
by Sabrina Tavernise, 22 April 2016
WASHINGTON — Suicide in the United States has surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years, a federal data analysis has found, with increases in every age group except older adults. The rise was particularly steep for women. It was also substantial among middle-aged Americans, sending a signal of deep anguish from a group whose suicide rates had been stable or falling since the 1950s.
clcouch123 
April 26, 2016 at 11:37 pm
The suicide statistics are awful. I have though, that suicide rates are highly connected to an increase in mental illness. Especially since it does seem to effect women more. There are more people on earth and people are living and working longer. Mental illness is increasing. Not to mention, there are those who are desperate, in situations medically or otherwise where they feel this is their only resort.
As for the situation in Canada. It is extremely difficult. The chiefs of many First Nations people mismanage funds for their tribes greatly. Not to mention, in every other place, in the world, usurpers haven’t allowed land to First Nations people. I’m not saying they shouldn’t have it, just that they should be more grateful. For I fear, on living on their territories they are increasing their chance to no have a good life, an education, a good home, etc… There is a lot of stuff involved in situations like this one you speak of.
April 27, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Your response is important to me. Thanks for sharing your perspective plus more information. Tribal leaders are hurting their own people is depraved. Life on reservations is hard to hopeless in Canada–same in USA. Certainly looks as if strong action is needed all around–from folk on all sides of First Nations. Suicide, as noted below, is a widespread problem here as well among all the people. The focus of the Canadian situation on reservations is microcosmic, telling of its own desperation and representing that for everyone else. Too bad what I read did not bring up leadership corruption. It did, however, cover what some folk are trying to do to save their own in spite of barriers and challenges. Mandi, what you know and see is so helpful. Again, Thanks!
April 27, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Thanks Christopher. I’m glad people have hope in spite of all things wrong on those reservations.