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Remember the suicide crisis that gripped Cowichan Tribes last year?
Remember how it became national news when Chief Harvey Alphonse opened his heart and declared a state of emergency in the wake of four suicides and 48 attempts in a four-month period?
After that brief flurry of attention, discussion about this important issue retreated back under the covers that frequently blanket both Cowichan Tribes activities and issues of mental health.
But that doesn’t mean it has gone away.
Suicide is hard to talk about. It is hard to acknowledge – both by those who may be harbouring suicidal thoughts and by survivors who have been, or may be, affected by it.
But it needs to be talked about, it needs to be acknowledged and the people involved need to be helped.
Suicide is an issue that crosses all age, gender, income, political and cultural boundaries.
And that is why it was gratifying to see Heliset Hale Marathon runners Kelly Paul, John Sampson and Bernice Smith arrive at the Quw’utsun ‘Cultural Centre Saturday, bringing their message of healing and hope.
The trio talked about their journey being a spiritual one, about how they hoped it could awaken the life within those who came out to witness and to take part.
Paul noted how we not only share the same pain, but we also share the same joy. And through that connection we can help each other continue.
It is a message that should not just be shared during marathons and states of emergency.
It should be shared every single day.
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