Madahbee lends his support

NEWS RELEASE

UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS

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UOI OFFICES – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee sent his support yesterday to a group of local First Nations holding a peaceful “Suicide Solidarity Ceremony” at MP Terry Sheehan’s office in Sault Ste. Marie

Their intent is to bring awareness about the high levels of suicide among Indigenous communities. It is expected to last until Wednesday.

“I stand behind the community group that is pushing for change after years of neglect by previous governments,” said Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “There is still a lack of funding to deal with community issues including youth, healing, culture and languages. We need to step up to ensure that our youth have an identity and self-esteem.”

Madahbee congratulated the group for ensuring it was peaceful and including ceremony in their protest.

“Suicides among our First Nations youth are a true tragedy, especially when Canada is a country with so much wealth. We need to ensure that First Nations have a fair share of that wealth,” said Madahbee. “By bringing in much needed youth programs and services along with much needed community infrastructure, it would go a long way to providing hope for the future.”

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people.

The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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