August 1, 2000

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson has congratulated the Grand Rapids First Nation Women and Wellness Walk-a-thon that recently completed a 375 km walk aimed at raising awareness of the issue of suicide on First Nations communities.

"The severe economic and social challenges facing First Nation communities has resulted in a high number of suicides," said Robinson. "Suicides shatter families and rob communities of their young people as well as their hope for the future. I commend the Grand Rapids Women and Wellness Group for working to address this serious social issue."

The purpose of the walk-a-thon, organized by the Grand Rapids Women and Wellness Group, was to deliver awareness of suicide prevention and to empower First Nations people to support each other in dealing with the issue of suicide. Members from the group were joined by local youth and community members as they walked from Grand Rapids to Norway House Cree Nation.

The group departed from Grand Rapids on July 23 and arrived in Norway House First Nation for the beginning of the annual Treaty and York Boat Days on Sunday.

"This walk-a-thon is an excellent example of how communities can join together to develop community responses to significant social challenges," said Robinson.

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