My long journey to Miramichi New Brunswick began when I met Todd Chadwick in 2010. He said, “we need to bring you to Miramichi.” I invite you follow my blogs this week as I journal my experience in Miramichi, Eel Ground and Burnt Church. I also invite you to share your comments, questions and thoughts. Join us as we begin a proactive conversation on suicide.
I just boarded a flight out of Thunder Bay on my way to Miramichi New Brunswick for four days of presentations, talks and meeting people who want to be part of the Collateral Damage Project. This week is about community, creating suicide safer communities and healing; youth, First Nations, Mental Health professionals, First Responders, survivors of suicide, college students, advocates, community members…I look forward to meeting and talking with all of you.
This “journey” began when I met Police Constable Todd Chadwick at the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) conference in Dartmouth Nova Scotia in 2010. At this conference I unveiled what is now known as the “Collateral Damage Project interim exhibit.” Incidentally, as I write, the exhibit is showing at Acadia University in Wolfville Nova Scotia. With our backgrounds as professional first responders, our conversations spanned both personal and professional experiences not only with suicide but also our shared passion of what is best described as public service.
As I write more this week, I will also introduce you to Michelle Bushey who is a Community Social Worker in Addictions and Mental Health. Michelle is the person who made this week possible. I won’t be surprised if when I meet Michelle she is wearing a cape because she tackled every obstacle like a superhero.
Here’s a quick look at our schedule this week.
Monday Morning; Eel Ground Community Band Hall….Afternoon; SafeTALK with Eel Ground First Nation Educators….Evening; Eel Ground First Nations Youth
Tuesday Morning; New Brunswick Community College Student presentation…Evening; First Responders presentation
Wednesday Morning; Esgenoopetitj Community (Burnt Church First Nations)….Evening; Neguac Acadian Community – Complex des Jeunesse
Thursday Keynote Address for the 2012 Provincial Suicide Prevention Committee AGM
Thursday Evening; Depart Miramichi on my return home to Thunder Bay
I hope that you will join us with your comments as we create a proactive conversation on suicide prevention in the Miramichi region.
Speaking at New Brunswick Community College
Eel Ground Pow Wow Grounds
Eel Ground Pow Wow Grounds
Bell Aliant Supports Suicide Prevention
Eel Ground First Nation Community Presentation
Eel Ground Youth Group
True expression comes with piles of paper on the floor. Eel Ground Youth Group
Eel Ground Youth Group
It was such great pleasure to meet you…hoping our paths shall one day cross again!!!
Scott, what a wonderful week! I enjoyed every minute with you on the road. Your project produced many magical moments. I am very proud that we took our message to the people in their own communities….this is why we had the results and response that we did. I am very happy to be resting tonight; however I would not change the past week’s busy schedule for the world. Keep up the good work Scott…your vision expands beyond the boarders of Miramichi, New Brunswick and Canada….but tonight REST my friend and fellow advocate…..may someday SUICIDE not be talked about because it will not exist, Michele:)
Today at NBCC Miramichi I was fortunate to learn about the Collateral Damage Project. What a powerful and important message was given to our students and Instructors. I could not wait to get home and view the blog/video posted by your children which could not be viewed at the college today due to technical difficulties. That being said, they did an awesome job spreading the message!! You must be very proud of them!