Manitoulin Island students prepare t-shirts of encouragement for Attawapiskat

Students and teachers at an elementary school on Manitoulin Island are trying to help people affected by the ongoing suicide crisis in Attawapiskat.

They're writing messages of support on t-shirts to show young people they care.

A teacher at Lakeview Public School in M'Chigeeng First Nation said she's organizing the student-led campaign.

"It's been a really positive learning experience for our students," Michelle Taukei said.

"It's been a chance for them to be leaders, and to show for themselves how they model self-care and show how they can stay strong."

Taukei said students have been using the traditional teachings of a medicine wheel to reflect on sources of strength for children in Attawapiskat.

She said they are writing message about ways to feel positive physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Taukei's Grade 1 daughter Lourdes said the goal is "so those children feel loved and that they can have a happy time seeing those messages."

Medicine wheel connection

Taukei said the hope is that students learn about the positive impact that kind words and intentions can have.

"We've tried to make the connection with the medicine wheel," she continued.

"When you're feeling alone, what can you do? Who can you reach out to? What makes you feel better? What makes you feel strong?"

LucyJoshua-Mathews, aGrade 4 student atLakeviewPublic School, told CBC News she likes"to help people a lot and help them feel better. I don't like it when people pass away or commit suicide.It doesn't make me feel that good. You should feel happy about where you are. Be happy you actually have a home because other people around the world don't have a home."

Another student in Grade 1,AuroraPenamick, said she kept her message simple:

"Love yourself. We love you. I wrote, 'you are beautiful'."