Yukon First Nations help youth grieve with 'healing camp'

When Kwanlin Dün Chief Doris Bill announced the camp on June 24, she had tears in her eyes. 

The First Nation is hosting a healing conference for youth in Whitehorse with participation from nine other First Nations.

Bill says it's urgently needed. 

"Not only Kwanlin Dün, but other First Nations in Yukon have dealt with a lot of loss and that loss has affected our communities," she said.

The conference will gather more than 100 young people for music, counselling and workshops. Bill says the communities are united by a shared experience of mourning.

"Suicide is at the top of that list, unfortunately," she said. "It seems as if our communities are continuously grieving."

 Bill said recent murders in the Kwanlin Dün First Nation have shaken the community. 

"Back in December, when Brandy Vittrekwa was murdered in our community, one of things things I noticed was the effects that had on our young people. They were completely traumatized and in a lot of cases, those young children really had no outlet for their grief," Bill said. 

"One thing we're hearing from First Nation communities across the territory is that they're having a difficult times, struggling, not knowing what to do with the number of suicides and deaths that have happened in the communities. We need to address this with our young people," she said. 

"If we are going to find solutions we have to involve our young people." 

Yukon premier voices support

The healing conference will be called Strength Within Circle. It will be held at the Jackson Lake Healing Camp, a facility maintained by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation for on-the-land programs. 

A similar conference was held last year in Teslin, Yukon.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski says the territorial government is contributing $60,000 towards this year's camp, which is added to $50,000 in contributions from Yukon First Nations. 

"The event carries forward the momentum of last year," said Pasloski. 

Pasloski said workshops would focus on respectful relationships, suicide prevention, coping with loss and leadership.

"This gathering is designed to build each participant's personal resilience and expand their support networks among them," he said. 

Speakers from across Canada

Kluane Adamek is part of Our Voices, a Yukon aboriginal youth group that focuses on positive messages and empowerment. 

"It's everyone's responsibility to support our youth," Adamek said. "We and the next generation have a role to play. We see a future where northern indigenous youth are inspired, engaged and thriving, and holding up our cultures."

Speakers announced so far include Ojibway Olympic boxer Mary Spencer, singer Diyet who is from Burwash Landing, and Anishinaabe and Métis comedian Ryan McMahon, who is known for his podcast 'Red Man Laughing." 

The gathering is set for July 3 to 5 and attendance is free.

Bill says more young people are expected to camp on the grounds of the Jackson Lake healing camp. Those under age 18 are required to have a chaperone.