The Tr’ondëk Hwëchin Wellness Department, Mental Wellness and Substance Use (MWSU) and the Roots of Hope Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention Initiative have collaborated to host a week of training and activities during Nihè dinch’è jì’ wë̀tä̀zul Life Promotion / Suicide Prevention Week. Events will be held in Dawson City from September 12 to 16.
The weekly programming will include workshops, events and a community film screening that will cover topics such as life promotion, as rooted in Tr’ondëk Hwëchin culture, suicide prevention and information, harm reduction, grief and remembrance, safer partying, healthy relationships, men’s mental wellness, crafting, art and more.
A full day of cultural programming will also be offered by the Tr’ondëk Hwëchin First Nation on Friday, September 16. Prizes will be distributed throughout the week featuring graphics created by a local artist working with the Tr'ondëk Hwëchin Youth Centre.
The partnership between Tr'ondëk Hwëchin Wellness Department and Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services, through the Roots of Hope Project, will continue through the fall with training in Dawson City from October 24 to 28, 2022. In conjunction with the Community Campus, activities will be offered to Dawson residents, including Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK and suicide prevention talks specific to youth audiences.
Yukoners interested in participating in Nihè dinch'è jì' wë̀tä̀zul Promotion of Life / Suicide Prevention Week can view the week's programming online.
It is important that we continue to promote initiatives that help Yukoners live happy, healthy and safe lives. Communities need their own unique mental wellness supports tailored to their needs and cultures and I am pleased to see the collaboration between the Tr'ondëk Hwëchin Wellness Department and Roots of Hope to better the lives of Dawson residents. I encourage everyone to participate in this important event and take advantage of the opportunities that will be available throughout the week.
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The Roots of Hope Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention Initiative worked with the Tr'ondëk Hwëchin language department to give the initiative a name in the Hän language: Nihè dinch’è jì’ wë̀tä̀zul translates to “It is better when you are with us” as stated from a group to an individual.
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The week of events is supported by many community partners and institutions, including Tr'ondëk Hwëchin Wellness Department, Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSU), First Nations Health Programs, Bringing Youth Towards Equality (BYTE), Klondike Institute for Arts and Culture (KIAC), Dawson Women’s Shelter, Industrial Arts and Technology Society of the Yukon, and more.
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For mental wellness support, Yukoners can visit Mental health and wellness support during COVID-19 or call 867-456-3838.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-393-6393
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca