The Morley community held their third annual 'Walk to Remember' yesterday to align with International Suicide Awareness month.

With International Suicide Awareness Day being September 10, Adjoa (AJ) Chintoh-Silva, Community Wellness Coordinator with Stoney Health Services, figured yesterday (September 11) was the closest day to the day they could gather the community. 

Chintoh-Silba was pleased with how many people turned out, saying roughly 100 people from Elders to youth came out to not only remember those they have lost but let others know they are not alone. "Grief and loss has touched this community in such a deep way it was a way to bring people together and know that they are supported."

 

The Stoney Nation has seen a lot of loss over the past year; though the mood in the community is heavy Chintoh-Silva, says the Stoney nation is resilient ."They will often come together and support one another through tough times. This year, I wouldn't say is different than other years just maybe the losses we are seeing are more tragic."

Although a sad topic, seeing the generations bridge together was extremely impactful. "I think it is important for people to know that there's that support around them. We had lots of Elders out and it was great to have the different generations to see no one is alone and they can seek support from their Elders; they were very visible and I think that was a very important message."

When it comes to prevention and support, Chintoh- Silva, says the Morley Community School offers a range of supports and counselling, as well as, the Turning Point Program which is run through the Stoney Health services. She is hopeful to once again bring in more community based programs. "This year I am hoping we can have the organization from Calgary that will do the ASSIST Training, which is suicide prevention training, so it provides skills to community members as well as front line workers to be able to assess and support individuals who are at risk and teach them how to connect with resources."

Chintoh-Silva, shares in the end she was happy to see such good turnout with the message being they are one and stronger as a united unit than alone. "I think that was the message today we all have experienced some significant and tragic losses."