Author Description

This research introduces a phenomenon which I have entitled "an explosion of community" and suggests that youth have found a way, albeit unconsciously, to re-create and perpetuate "traditional forms of culture and community interaction and response" through the taking of their own lives. The sacrifice of their lives so that others might live and experience "community" and spiritual renewal can be seen as a cry for acknowledgment and instruction from their parents and grandparents. In other words, these children are dying to be heard. This research examines the internal and external influences affecting community health and well-being across northern Ontario and the many factors that have contributed to increasing youth suicide. The devastating effects of close to twenty years of youth suicide have culturally and socially impacted Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) communities. This dissertation seeks to identify factors that contribute to and exacerbate the act of suicide as a solution to increasing community breakdown and cultural loss among the young people. This project explores the breakdown of important social mechanisms and traditions, which in turn, have prompted a transition, and contemporary transformation for the Oji-Cree. The transitioning has left their children, bereft of intimate knowledge and personal experience of traditional Oji-Cree lifeways and language. Findings of this research indicate that much of what is happening throughout the north in regards to the suicide epidemic can be directly related to spiritual malaise and the loss of practice of traditional values, language, and on the land experiences for children and youth. There are the "usual" problems in relation to the external impacts of modernity through television, political changes, sedentary behaviours, inactivity and unemployment, all of which have contributed to youthful boredom and a growing apathy. Then there are the more obvious problems associated with alcoholism, domestic violence, and