Lengthy debate on First Nations issues takes over Ottawa

The tragedy in Attawapiskat has reverberated on the floor of the Commons.

A debate in the House of Commons went Tuesday night about the suicide crisis on a remote northern Ontario First Nation.

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus, says the days of the federal government dictating to the Aboriginal community what’s good for them has to end, adding our greatest resource is our children.

Angus says what’s happening in the community isn’t new, and it’s time to do more than just apply Band-Aids and send in emergency flights.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says the solution is a shared responsibility.

She says aboriginal communities need hope, and that children there need to know they are valued and they have value.

Attawapiskat’s chief and eight councillors declared a state of emergency on Saturday, citing 11 suicide attempts so far in the month of April and 28 recorded attempts in March.

(The Canadian Press)