February 18, 2016

Suicide

Suicide is the FIFTH leading cause of death of Aboriginal people. In particular 15-24 year olds are over five times more likely to suicide than non-indigenous peers. Building on cultural strengths and supporting self-determination is likely to be the core component of any suicide program. This is what CASSE's Tjilirra Men's Movement attempts to do! Aboriginal people describe their physical and mental health as having a basis of ‘social and emotional well-being’ originating in a network of relationships (or connections) that includes between the individual and their community, traditional lands, family and kin, ancestors and the spiritual dimension of existence. Life is understood in holistic terms… linked to their ‘control over their physical environment, of dignity, of community self-esteem, and of justice’.