The northern Saskatchewan communities of La Ronge and Stanley Mission are in shock after three young girls took their own lives within four days.
The five-year average suicide rate for the Mamawetan Churchill River Regional Health Authority between 2005 to 2009 is 20.8 per 100,000 population, according to a 2011 Northern Saskatchewan Health Indicators report produced by the Population Health Unit. Between 2000-2004, the rate was 10.9.
Cook-Searson also said that a number of months ago the First Nation presented a plan to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. That plan included a $17-million mental health facility for the communities.
Cook-Searson said Trudeau didn't originally say no but needed to see a business plan. The community has now put aside $2 million of its own money and will be presenting the plan next month.