Suicide inquiry finds programs failing Fort Chipewyan

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WARNING: This article discusses suicide and may upset some readers. The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone in crisis. Programs and services in your community can be found by calling 211 Alberta.

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Fort Chipewyan has been failed by government programs and agencies meant to handle mental and emotional health, education, crime and public safety. The conclusions were made by a public inquiry after a teenage girl committed suicide in the community in 2015.

Justice J.B. Champion of the Alberta Court of Justice concluded “a lack of resources and support, particularly in mental health,” contributed to the girl’s death. The incident shows “critical gaps in care and communication among federal, provincial and municipal governments.”

“That no health care providers, educators, counsellors, or other interested individuals were aware of the angst she was suffering is evidence of the dearth of resources in Fort Chipewyan,” wrote Champion in his report.

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“Based on the evidence before me, there were very few avenues available to her to seek the kind of care that might have saved her life.”

The three-day inquiry was held in March 2023 at Fort Chipewyan’s court house and investigated what resources are available to struggling youth. The name of the girl is not mentioned in the public report.

Champion says it is clear she was struggling emotionally and mentally before her death. She faced bullying at school, which Champion noted contributed to the suicide of another teenage girl around the same time.

Her family was supportive and nurturing, he said, but there was minimal involvement from the government programs designed to help at-risk youth. Wait times for youth to get in-person mental health consultations at the time was up to six months. He called remote and online counsellors “hardly an adequate response” to the crisis.

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Inquiry paints bleak picture of Fort Chipewyan

Champion noted many witnesses at the inquiry talked about the youth and community-oriented programs available in Fort Chipewyan. He concluded these programs have had few impacts on improving the community.

Solutions to problems are delayed by “ample finger-pointing and evasion of responsibility and accountability” from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) agreed there were few properly funded or staffed resources to help with community wellbeing. At the time, Adam said there were 22 job vacancies at Fort Chipewyan’s health centre.

Champion heard Fort Chipewyan has a “tragically understaffed” RCMP detachment and struggles to recruit and retain health care workers. There are poor housing options for teachers and health care workers, and few gathering places for youth. Champion added Fort Chipewyan is being hit by an “opioids tsunami” stretching the few existing health care, policing and community resources.

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Champion recommends immediate structural changes and improved funding for education and health care systems in Fort Chipewyan. This includes better addiction services and clearer jurisdictional responsibilities. He also calls for improved internet access and youth programs in the community.

“In spite of the numerous programs, initiatives, and plans, complete with lengthy and glossy pamphlets, posters, and binders, the intended beneficiaries of the various governments policies and procedures are not getting the planned outcomes,” he writes.

A statement from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo acknowledged the inquiry brings attention to ongoing issues in Fort Chipewyan.

“We recognize that solutions, both immediate and long-term, will not come from one agency. We have and will continue to work with community leadership and all levels of government to assist and advocate for the community,” said the statement.

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Benji Smith, interim press secretary for Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams, said the province is improving services with initiatives like the 211 help line and the virtual opioid dependency program. This program offers same-day access to opioid addiction treatments anywhere in Alberta with no fees or waitlist. 

“Additionally, the province will continue its advocacy in having the federal government support the province to ensure necessary services are available for all residents,” said Smith.

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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