Wapekeka First Nation declares state of emergency in wake of suicides

Wapekeka First Nation has declared a state of emergency after the third suicide of a child in the remote First Nation since January.

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Chief Brennan Sainnawap issued the declaration after a meeting Tuesday night.

All of the girls who died were just 12 years old and part of a suicide pact that community leaders became aware of last summer.

That's when community officials first asked for help but, according to a spokesperson, it has been slow to arrive.

Jenera Roundsky was the latest child to die. She was found by another child near the community's outdoor rink last week. Jolynn Winter died on Jan. 8, while Chantel Fox died two days later.

Nearly 40 young people from the community are currently considered to be at risk of suicide; that represents about 10 per cent of the population of Wapekeka.

The state of emergency asks for an immediate response from Ontario and provision of the necessary services for the community.