'We Matter' campaign speaks directly to Indigenous youth contemplating suicide

A brother/sister duo from Hay River, Northwest Territories,launched a new online campaign, We Matter, for Indigenous youth who feel alone and are looking for support.

The website features videos of Indigenous people from across Canada sharinga personal story of struggle and perseverance. The hope is that the messages will encourage Indigenous youth to not give up.

Kelvin Redvers, filmmaker and co-founder of theWe Matter campaign, said the aim of the initiative is to reduce the number of Indigenous suicides.

He and his sister, Tunchai, started gatheringthe videos in April. They hope to collect voices from each Indigenous community in Canada.

"By sharing our voices, by everybody standing up and sharing their own stories and their own messages. We think we can really help people that are feeling alone," Redvers said.

'There is always a way forward'

Redvers said the campaign is modelled from the It Gets Better campaign. That project uses video messages to support LGBTteens who are strugglingwith bullying andshame, and lackgay mentors.

"We think video is effective because it is personal, but you can use it across long distances," Redvers said.

"Someone from the Northwest Territories could create a message that could make a difference for somebody in British Columbia, or Ontario."

There are about 20 videomessages online so far.Redversalsoplans to send USB thumb drives of the videos tocommunities that have poor internet.

Sydone Okheena, 17,is one of the people who shared her storyof growing up with cerebral palsy, and being bullied in Ulukhatok, N.W.T.

Don Burnstick, a well-known Indigenous comedian, also shared a videoabout the first time he heard abouta suicide in his community, Alberta'sAlexander First Nation, and the time he contemplated suicide.

If youare in crisisyou can call theN.W.T.Helpline at1-800-661-0844,NunavutKamatsiaqtutat1-800-265-3333, orKids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

In an emergency, contact your local health centre or the RCMP.