Aboriginal-focused suicide training recognizes increased numbers

The high rate of suicide in Aboriginal communities has prompted Alberta Health Services to take proactive measures.

“Even though suicide is an issue for all communities, the rate for suicide in Aboriginal communities is three times higher in Alberta,” said Kendra Bishop, Aboriginal program coordinator for AHS. “It is important to offer culturally relevant training that offers supports for both urban and rural Aboriginal communities.”
AHS has teamed up with the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge to deliver Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in the southern city.

ASIST is an internationally recognized model that offers participants information on what to do if someone discloses he is suicidal; what resources to offer; and  a step-by-step method to keep vulnerable individuals safe, present and talking until help arrives.

“Suicide is an uncomfortable topic and situations can be very distressing. The training offers opportunities for participants to role play situations, so to offer enhanced preparedness,” said Bishop.

Earlier this year, AHS qualified four staff, including two from Lethbridge, in ASIST training. The newly qualified staff then provided training for 20 others from various organizations and the community.

“This was a great opportunity for our health poll committee to host such an important training for the community,” said ACL Executive Director Jacinda Weiss.
Programs have also been offered to the public and/or AHS staff in Piikani Nation, Eden Valley, Hobbema, Siksika First Nation, Blood Tribe, Sunchild First Nation, and Tsuu T’ina First Nation, altong with Calgary, Chateh, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, High Level, High Prairie, Medicine Hat, Ponoka, Red Deer, and Westlock.
“The Aboriginal population is continually increasing and more young people are moving into urban centres, it is important that suicide awareness be available, so that as service providers and community members we can become trained first responders for the Aboriginal population,” said Weiss.

A 2013 study undertaken by the Centre for Suicide Prevention states, “Displaced Native youth might often find themselves in the city without vital cultural supports, and, additionally, they may experience prejudice and racism. The opportunities for employment may be few and, ultimately, this alienating environment can take its toll.”

The week long train-the-trainer model was launched in 2011 to prepare the facilitators for workshops throughout the province. The facilitation was conducted in small group work, which allowed for more active participation and opportunities for everyone to get involved in the discussion.

Both Weiss and Bishop agreed that the feedback from the training has been positive.

For Sarah Sweetgrass, a workshop participant and University of Lethbridge student, the training had a personal impact.

“It is extremely useful because suicide is a difficult subject to talk about, the training provided an opportunity to step into the topic.
Since the training, I have had the courage to support friends going through hard times and ask the difficult questions that would have been uncomfortable to ask before,” said Sweetgrass.
The continuation of the ASIST training is dependent on a renewal in funding, but the program has had a large impact throughout the province.

ASIST training is offered through the Centre for Suicide Prevention.