Sudden deaths and suicides are taking a toll on First Nations communities across the territory, and particularly on young people, according to Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill.

She, Premier Darrell Pasloski and Our Voices co-chair Kluane Adamek announced Wednesday an attempt to remedy this: a weekend youth wellness and healing retreat to be held at Jackson Lake Healing Camp.

“It seems as if our communities are continuously grieving,” Bill said yesterday during a press conference in Kwanlin Dün’s council chambers.

“Back in December, when Brandy Vittrekwa was murdered in our community, one of the things that I noticed was the effects that that had on our young people. They were completely traumatized. And in a lot of cases, those young children really have no outlet for their grief.

“As leaders, we need to do something and we recognize that.”

The partnership formed between the Yukon government, Kwanlin Dün and Our Voices will offer a Strength Within Circle gathering to all young people in the territory – ages 14 to 30 – to teach them about mental and physical well-being, suicide prevention, traditional cultural activities and how to deal with trauma and grief.

It will be held July 3-5.

The Yukon government is providing $60,000 in funding, and 10 Yukon First Nations contributed $5,000 each.

“It’s imperative that we work together as governments and as a community to support the well-being of our youth,” Pasloski said.

“This gathering is designed to build each participant’s personal resilience and expand their support networks around them.

“The gathering will be an inspiring example of youth indigenous leaders taking the lead and working towards healing in ways that are rooted in traditional values and connection to the land.”

The premier extended his condolences to the families and friends of people who have died recently in the territory.

Strength Within Circle is the second event of its kind hosted by Kwanlin Dün and Our Voices, a group of young aboriginal leaders in the territory.

Adamek said about 120 young people attended last year’s gathering, held at Brooks Brook in Teslin.

“Last year, we made a song, an Our Voices song,” she said.

“And it was so incredibly powerful at the feast to hear young people sharing their song and dancing, wearing regalia and drumming.”

This year, several speakers, including Ojibway Olympic boxer Mary Spencer, the Yukon’s former child and youth advocate Andy Nieman, comedian Ryan McMahon and Reg McGinty of the Selkirk First Nation, will talk to participants.

Topics throughout the weekend range from lateral violence, body image, bullying, sexting, suicide, traditional language preservation and living a sober lifestyle.

Activities will include a music workshop with the Kluane First Nation’s Diyet, carving, hand games and beading.

Adamek said it was important that youth come together to plan this event for other young people, as Our Voices has done.

“We see a future where northern indigenous youth are inspired, engaged and thriving, and holding up our cultures,” she said.

“This vision can be achieved through supporting one another in true partnership and working with our communities.”

Bill agreed.

“If we’re going to find solutions, we need to involve the young people,” she said.

Strength Within Circle is free and open to all young people, First Nations or not.

Adamek said there’s space for 200 youth. About 80 have signed up so far.

Participants under the age of 18 must have a chaperone.

Visit www.kwanlindun.com to register, or call Katie Johnson at 332-5283 or email bellaeliteconsulting@gmail.com.