Sahara Ben (right) with her late sister Maggie Ben (submitted photo/ Sahara Ben)

By Nicole Reis

#YOUMATTER

#YouMatter Awareness walk to take place at Flying Dust First Nation

Jul 31, 2020 | 6:05 PM

Flying Dust First Nation will be hosting a suicide awareness walk in partnership with the City of Meadow Lake, RCMP, Northern Inter Tribal Health Agency (NITHA) and Roots of Hope in Meadow Lake.

Tara Sinclair, social worker and mental therapist with Flying Dust First Nation Health says the topic affects everyone and is calling for reform in RCMP handling distress calls, and for federal and provincial governments, chiefs and council to implement consistent and ongoing mental health support for First Nation youth and adults.

“Too many families are grappling with loss and we need a better and consistent mental health support process with qualified people,” she told meadowlakeNOW.

Sinclair said investing in training of First Nation people to deal with mental health issues requires community compassion and an ongoing demonstration of support. She wants to see more people in leadership to get involved.

Survivor, Sahara Ben, 17, has been directly affected after losing her twin sister last year. She will be speaking at the event and sharing her insight into her experience.

Health

Saskatchewan warned of helium supply cut because of Middle East war

22h ago

Out of this World

WATCH: Canadian Space Agency's first space to Earth video call with Jeremy Hansen

23h ago

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

Apr 04, 2026

“She was my twin sister,” Ben told meadowlakeNOW. “I think it’s important not only for me, but for everyone to hear her story.”

Sahara said depression is a real thing and is encouraging youth to speak to someone they trust. Sahara recently moved from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation to Flying Dust prior to the loss of her sister. She said over the course of three years seven people have taken their own lives at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation.

“A lot of people are living in poverty in reserves and chief and council can do so much more,” she said.

The awareness walk will take place on Aug. 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will begin at DJ’s Laundromat on Railway Ave. ending at Flying Dust Gym. The walk is followed by a barbeque and speakers.

RCMP will be providing an escort during the walk. Nurses, First Responders and therapists are available for counseling on site.

Organizers will be taking temperatures and practicing precautionary pandemic safety measures.

Editors Note: This article was amended to reflect that seven people have taken their own lives at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation over three years not 37 as originally reported. Also, the awareness walk is Aug. 6, not Aug.9 as originally reported.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722