Tomorrow the community of Morley will gather to heal, remember and support each other on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10).

Tanya Kang, Mental Health Therapist for Morley area, shares there have been many people in Morley and the surrounding community that have lost someone to death by suicide. With an increase of meth addiction, the Stoney Nation can't seem to catch a break and they are hoping the gathering, 'A Healing Walk' will help remove the shame and stigma around the topic. "This event has been happening for a few years now and really struck home with a lot of people. I have heard from community members that it's helped them to know that there is support there and deal with the feelings that they're having." 

With suicide being one of the topics many people don't openly discuss, Kang believes the community will benefit by knowing that other individuals and families are mourning as well. 

While Kang did not have stats, she feels over the past few years there has been a definite growing number of substance abuse cases, domestic violence issues, and suicide attempts. "Now they are looking more at youth as well. We know that men are more successful in completing suicide and we are learning that in the LGBTQ community, indigenous youth are more vulnerable as well."

Tomorrow's event will start differently than in past years by beginning with a pipe ceremony. "It is to bless the event and to have some healing prayer for the community. We have a new Cultural Liasion working at the Health Centre and she is trying to help us with our different community events we have."

Following the pipe ceremony, will be opening remarks, a healing walk on the pathway around the schools, and special words from Elder Roland Rollingmud. "He will speak on the impact of suicide on the community, hope for healing, that we need to talk about things without turning a blind eye, and how we need to support one another."

Honour songs performed by a drumming group, lunch, and elders gathered in a tipi will also be part of the Healing Walk. "They will be available for support after lunch in case things come up and people want to hear teachings on suicide or have someone pray for them. They can do smudging in the tipi and staff will be on hand from Turning Point (Mental Health Wellness department) and Stoney Health Services."

Kang shares the objective is to make people aware that they are not alone and there is help and support for people going through the emotional turmoil. "Even though they may feel alone in their pain, we don't want them to feel alone but actually together in their pain."

A Healing Walk will begin tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. outside of the Stoney Health Centre and is open to all neighbouring communities. "We send invites to community partners that Stoney people can access inside or outside of Morley, everyone is welcome to come."

The Stoney Health Centre, Turning Point, and other community partners have been doing a great deal in recent years when it comes to supporting Stoney residents. 

Below is a list of upcoming discussions, resources and supports that are accessible to all residents and more information can be found HERE.

  • September 11th as part of their Community Education Session a discussion led by a speaker from AHS' Healthy Minds, Healthy Children will openly talk about childhood/ adolescent depression and suicide at the library in the Morley Community High School.
  • September 18/19 A.S.I.S.T (Applied Suicide Intervention Training) will occur for community members.
  • October will be about cannabis awareness and how legalization will impact them. The discussion will be in partnership with Canmore Addictions and Mental Health, RCMP, and staff from Turning Point once again at the High School Library.
  • November tackles self-harm reduction. A new harm reduction unit will be making a bigger presence as it talks about what harm reduction means and with a focus surrounding meth use.

"We just want to get support from the community and get people talking."