Introducing the First Online Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Training Program
River of Life: National Online Suicide Prevention Certificate Course
Calgary, Alberta (PRWEB) July 20, 2009
The Centre for Suicide Prevention in partnership with Millbrook Technologies, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Aboriginal Leadership across the country are pleased to present the first ever national culturally-based suicide prevention online training program. The program called River of Life is designed to enhance the capacity of First Nations to implement suicide intervention, prevention and postvention approaches.
A resolution has been tabled to ensure First Nation Communities are well equipped to implement youth suicide prevention strategies based on cultural specific content. The resolution to adopt the River of Life National Online Suicide Prevention Certificate Course will be voted on at the upcoming Assembly of First Nations Annual General Meeting in Calgary on July 23rd. This resolution has the support of many Chiefs and Councils. The motion is moved by Chief Charles Weasel Head (Blood Tribe, Standoff, Alberta) and seconded by Chief Leroy Good Eagle (Siksika First Nation, Alberta).
"We at the Centre for Suicide Prevention, with our partners, wanted to take a unique approach in developing this course. By delivering the training online we can ensure that it is available to majority of First Nations rural communities," explains Diane Yackel, Executive Director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention. "We feel that some immediate benefits this course will bring to First Nations communities are trained graduates who can increase the communities' capacity to prevent suicide, provide access to research and Elders' experience in an unique approach to youth suicide prevention, and strengthen the communities infrastructure that will support life choices for youth at risk of suicide."
About The Centre for Suicide Prevention:
The Centre for Suicide Prevention is a not-for-profit educational centre specializing in curriculum development; training; library and information services.
About Millbrook Technologies:
Millbrook Technologies, owned by Millbrook First Nations, was set up to enhance the capacity of aboriginal people, communities and organizations. They have been diligent and successful setting up strategic alliances with aboriginal communities and national organizations enabling them to seize existing and emerging opportunities by leveraging technology.
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