October 9, 2008

A MESSAGE TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE NISGA'A NATION

"On behalf of the Nisga'a Nation, I would like to acknowledge and express our deepest sympathies to the families of the young men that took their lives recently. As a Nation, we must draw on our strength from each other and our belief in our Ayuuk as we mourn these tragic losses." stated President Leeson.

We are encouraged by the immediate actions to begin the healing process and by the public meetings that are being carried out by Nisga'a Valley Health Authority (NVHA), the First-Nation Action and Support Team (F.A.S.T.), the New Aiyansh Village Government and others. It is important that everyone come together to support one another during this time. We will need to be kind to each other and share whatever resources we have as individuals, as a community and as a Nation. To those who observe brothers and sisters or children expressing hopeless or helpless thoughts, do not ignore them and immediately inform a professional from one of the agencies or the elders in the community. There is help available.

We know that life in the Nass Valley can sometimes be challenging and that for some of our people the situation can be overwhelming. Your own agencies are here to help; please make any needs known to them by contacting the doctor or nurse on call or the mental health professionals at 250-633-5000 to get immediate care. People who are concerned can also contact 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

Your leaders, governments, agencies, institutions and fellow citizens from across the Nation are working hard to create a satisfying life for all our citizens. We welcome any suggestions you may have to help us. Our efforts include several plans to improve the quality of life for all our citizens in the Nass Valley. There is a bright future for each of you and every one of you is very important to the Nisga'a Nation.

In this time of healing from these tragic losses we must continue to support each other. Together we will continue to build the foundation upon which our Nation can thrive for our children, grandchildren and their descendants.

Nelson Leeson, President

Nisga'a Nation