Suicide In Canada Essay

Indigenous populations in Canada (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) experience a disproportionate burden of youth suicide in comparison to the general population (Kirmayer et al., 2007; MacNeil, 2008). Incidence rates of suicide among Indigenous are estimated to be as high as seven times that of non-Indigenous youth and, currently, suicide and self-inflicted injuries are the leading cause of death among Indigenous youth aged 10-19 (Health Canada, 2013). Despite this, rates of suicide among Indigenous youth vary greatly in relation to geographical location across Canada (Chandler & Lalonde, 1998). In terms of gender breakdown, existing epidemiological data demonstrates that male Indigenous youth are at greater risk for completed suicide, whereas female Indigenous youth are at greater risk for attempted suicide (Health Canada, 2013).
However, Indigenous scholars have long suggested that any discussions related to health disparities among First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples be framed within the context of colonization, including the intergenerational trauma resulting from the residential school experience and child welfare systems (Blackstock, 2011; King et al., 2009) Their contribution has been through multiple mechanisms, including at the individual, family, community and societal levels. Survivors and their families experience shame and deeply rooted mistrust and anger (Christian & Spittal, 2008). Furthermore, cultural identities were eroded through this systematic approach to assimilation, which has lead to a loss of language, tradition and connectedness, and has resulted in isolation, marginalization, family breakdown and poor coping mechanisms for many Indigenous peoples in Canada (Loppie-Reading & Wein,