NAN Invites Thunder Bay Community to Participate in Choose Life Awareness Walk

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse invites all members of the Thunder Bay community to participate in the 1st Annual NAN Choose Life Suicide Awareness Walk in Thunder Bay on Friday.

“This walk is to honour those who were taken too soon by suicide and create dialogue that will help people choose life. It is inspiring to see people come together to advocate for those who may be struggling and let them know they aren’t alone. Suicide does not just impact the individual, it impacts families, friends and communities,” said Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse. “I am incredibly proud of the work accomplished in NAN First Nations through our Choose Life program. This life-saving program is helping our First Nations communities build resiliency and pride in our children, youth and families.”

The walk will be held in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day (Friday, September 10).

All members of the public are welcome to participate. Hand drummers are encouraged to join us and sound their drum in healing. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the NAN office (200 Syndicate Avenue South) with an opening drum, prayer and remarks. The walk will begin at 11 a.m.

The walk route will follow Donald Street to City Hall, the Kaministiquia River ThunderBird Sculpture and return down Arthur Street to the NAN office for the closing prayer. Refreshments will be provided.

For individuals who are unable to join the walk, a World Candle Vigil will take place on Friday evening at 8 p.m. Please put a candle in the window of your home to honour a loved one or show support for those who may need it. For more information, please visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-association-for-suicide-prevention/events/2021-world-suicide-prevention-day/.

Launched in 2017, Choose Life bridges gaps in services by providing mental health and community-based supports that promote healing and wellness. From its inception to February 2020, Choose Life has provided funding to organizations serving approximately 20,000 children and youth annually within NAN communities.

For more information on Choose Life, please visit: https://www.nan.ca/resources/choose-life/.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca

For more information please contact:
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