Centre for Suicide Prevention and Millbrook Technologies Inc Launch River of Life

Centre for Suicide Prevention and Millbrook Technologies Inc Launch River of Life

Calgary, Alberta (Vocus) September 9, 2010

Canadians join world-wide efforts to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day. East and West have come together in a partnership to help prevent the growing rate of Aboriginal youth suicide.

The Centre for Suicide Prevention developed the content materials and Millbrook Technologies brought these to life in the first ever online Aboriginal suicide prevention training program in the world.

Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations says, “The River of Life is a practical tool that will be instrumental in building resiliency in communities and we are proud to support this initiative.”

This unique online training program is “Excellent! Covers a difficult topic related to different pieces of history. It has a message of resiliency and hope… it inspires you to do something” (C.E. Bird).

This course is “so much what people are hungry for, looking exactly for this content” (J.S., Youth Health Educator).

Centre for Suicide Prevention

The Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP) is an education centre specializing in curricula development, training, and providing library and information services. The purpose of the Centre is to inform and equip people with additional knowledge and skills in the prevention of suicide.

“We are hopeful that ongoing discussions with government may result in financial support for this ‘one-of-a-kind’, first ever, online Aboriginal suicide prevention course. How truly proud we are, as Canadians, to offer this to our international friends” (Diane Yackel, CSP Executive Director).

Millbrook Technologies Inc.

Millbrook Technologies Inc. is located in Nova Scotia, Canada and is owned by the Millbrook First Nation. Millbrook Technologies Inc. specializes in the customization of advanced technologies and building unique courseware.

Who should take the program?

The prevention of Aboriginal youth suicide is a community effort and therefore prevention responsibility should not be left to a single person. Front line workers are obviously those directly involved in the health and well being of the youth in their community.

Mental health workers, addiction counsellors, nurses, youth counsellors, community outreach workers, family members and social services personnel are some of those occupations who should be equipped with the skills to identify and enhance the protective factors that will mitigate the risk of suicide.

In addition, we recommend that police officers, teachers, Friendship Centre staff, probation officers, correctional services workers, foster parents, Elders, band council members and clergy also participate.

Unfortunately too many communities wait until they are in crisis to mobilize their resources. The River of Life program has been designed to provide training to a very diverse group of people within the community to work together in the development of community based strategies. The knowledge provided and skills acquired will result in a positive preventative community action plan.

For more information or to register please go to http://www.riveroflifeprogram.ca

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