Over 100 people gathered at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park as the sun went down, to remember loved ones lost by suicide.
The first Soles Remembering Souls Memorial Walk to remember those lost by suicide was held at the park last night (Sept. 30) and organized by the Crisis Centre of Northern B.C.
“Soles Remembering Souls Memorial walk for those lost to suicide is to remember family and friends to reminisce on their smiles and laughter and to also remember the times we shared with them,” said Lheidli T’enneh Elder Kenora Stewart. “There’s no way we can truly resolve the questions and pain we endure but we can share together and help each other to move forward and know we ourselves are supportive for one another.”
The walk features coffee, food, speeches, live music, art and a silent auction with proceeds going towards suicide prevention efforts.
"Ancient wisdom says, 'Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted,' sometimes it doesn’t feel like that is true, but it is my hope that tonight you will feel comforted and supported as the community gathers around you and we remember those important lives lost to suicide," said Sandra Boulianne, executive director for the Northern B.C. Crisis Centre.
“It is so comforting to me that we see this entire crowd here,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “I think tonight with the crowd that has assembled here, I think this is a great start. It’s an opportunity to share, it’s an opportunity to hug each other. It is an opportunity to understand what everyone is going through and provide support.”
Participants were gathered together at the Kiwanis Bowl, but over the hill in the garden area were 16 placards featuring memorials of those lost by suicide.
One side of the placard featured dates and photo, and the other side described five things their loved ones wanted them remembered for.
MP Todd Doherty said this was an emotional subject for him and spoke about how suicide has impacted his life.
“My best friend committed suicide when I was 14 and from that day I have made it my point to do everything in my power to make sure another family doesn’t go through the same as what we did at that time,” said Doherty. “We have to do everything in our power to have these conversations and to have these walks. We have to look each other in the eyes and say ‘Are you okay? How are you doing?’ Just pause for a moment. It’s three words and it can change someone’s life. You don’t have to have all the answers you just have to be there to listen.”
Sandra McArthur, who spent this past summer walking from Prince Rupert to Kamloops in memory of her son and to raise awareness, also shared a few words.
“It has made me stronger to understand and deal with mental health issues the best way I know how. I have taken up the battle against suicide. We need to create warriors in each community to fight this battle as well,” said McArthur. “We truly need to be more compassionate and we need to start listening. When someone says’ I’m not feeling it’ or ‘I’m managing’ we need to really listen and reach out to them and say ‘How can I help?’.”
The walk ended with closing ceremonies, which included bringing the candles and placards to the stage for a moment of reflection.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can text CONNECT to 686868 (the Kids Help Line) or call 1-800-668-6868. You can also reach the Prince George chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association at 250-564-8644. If you are thinking about ending your life or are concerned about someone who is, you can call 1-800-784-2433 or 911.
