A special community event focused on the power of hope is being held Sept. 10, on World Suicide Prevention Day at the Sto:lo Nation site.
Hosted by Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health, the community celebration is called 'Let's Hope Together: Celebrating Life with Community and Ceremony.'
"Let’s Hope Together" was the motto chosen by the organizers because the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day in 2011 is 'Preventing Suicide in Multicultural Societies.'
“It’s fitting to host this special event on the Stó:lō Nation grounds, especially at the Stó:lō Resource Centre because suicide impacts everyone – all cultures and all races," says Megan Bissky, Outreach Worker for Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health in Chilliwack. "Our goal is to bring people together to talk about it and support each other.”
Organizers, along with community partners, the Longhouse Extension Program from Stó:lō Nation are proud to be part of a heartfelt day, she said.
The Saturday Sept. 10 event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sto:lo Resource Centre on Vedder Road with suicide prevention presentation, in memory ceremony, salmon lunch, cedar crafts, and candlelight vigil.
Everyone is welcome to attend the free gathering.