September 30 marks National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, as well as their families and communities. September is also Suicide Awareness Month and Chokecherry youth have chosen to acknowledge the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma resulting from the Residential School and Day School systems that contribute to the high rates of suicide among Indigenous youth. For many communities, suicide is linked to a variety of factors including the consequences of colonialism, discrimination, community disruption and the loss of culture and language. Suicide is a leading cause of death for youth in Canada. Addressing the disparities in the social determinants of health and promoting a sense of hope, purpose, meaning and belonging are key ways of promoting life and preventing suicide.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24/7 to offer counseling and crisis intervention at 1-855-242-3310

Learn about the Sweet Goodness program at Christies Bakery and the sweet community work happening at Chokecherry! Delicious.

Join us on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6pm for our 2022 Annual General Meeting.

With the support of partner organizations of the Safe Community Action Alliance, Chokecherry youth have collected stories from community members with lived and living experiences of crystal meth.