The River of Life is an innovative and culturally competent suicide prevention training program for Aboriginal youth developed by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, a specialized program of Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division, in partnership with Millbrook Technologies. The program is now available online and is recommended for anyone involved in the health and well-being of Aboriginal youth or communities.
Course content covers the current context of youth suicide within Aboriginal communities: key historical events that have impacted on Aboriginal youth and communities; factors that protect or put Aboriginal youth at risk of suicide; warning signs; legal responsibilities of working with youth at risk of suicide; and three levels of suicide response – prevention, intervention and postvention. The course is taught in eight modules and is self-paced.
While the intended audience includes mental health workers, addiction counsellors, nurses, youth counsellors, community outreach workers, family members and social services personnel, the program is also recommended for police officers, teachers, Friendship Centre staff, probation officers, correctional service workers, foster parents, Elders, band council members and clergy.
For more information, visit www.riveroflifeprogram.ca.