Big Cove receives unexpected housing bonus

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A plea for increased housing on this New Brunswick reserve has met with success.

The Big Cove band has received funding for 17 housing units following the

recommendations of a recent Coroner's report into the suicide deaths of seven residents. The report was issued last fall after six residents killed themselves in as many months. Another resident committed suicide this spring.

The band was scheduled to receive funding for 10 new housing units this year, but will receive additional units following the committee's recommendations.

All the houses will be relocated from the abandoned St. Margaret's Canadian Forces Base as agreed on between the band and the Department of Indian Affairs. Funding will cover all aspects of moving the houses from the base, including pouring new foundations at Big Cove, connecting plumbing and electrical services, and landscaping.

Among the 16 recommendations made by the Coroner's Jury last year was that "the people's basic needs be adequately resourced by the governments." The report cited over-crowded housing conditions as contributing factors to the high number of suicides which devastated Big Cove late last year and into 1993.

Out-going Chief Albert Levi cited high frustration levels among the band's young people as inciting self-destructive behavior. Unemployment rates of almost 95 per cent, lack of recreational facilities and community-based health programs had led to a sense of hopelessness among many band members. At least 75 Big Cove members attempted suicide during the past year, including children as young as eight years old.

The band council has also made repeated requests for on-reserve counselling to no avail.

"Because we live near Richibucto (21 km north east of Big Cove), they wanted us to go there," said Robert Levi, band council member. "But that's not the same."

But the residents of this 2,000-member band have fought back, gathering strength through community events such as a recent drug-and-alcohol-free week and a celebration of life weekend. Traditional activities such as drumming and singing were incorporated in the weekend, on request of many youths longing to return to their roots and spirituality.