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Aboriginal suicide and tasering
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November 22, 2007
Dying for help
Tasering on trial
Dying for help
The attempted suicide of seven people within one week in Hazelton has prompted the tiny First Nations community’s elders to reach out for federal help. Since June there have been 59 attempted suicides in the northwestern village of 6,000 people. Many of the attempts are by young people. SFU Dean of Health Sciences John O’Neil has published more than 120 papers and reports on a variety of aboriginal health issues. O’Neil is currently co-investigating suicide risk factors and prevention tactics to combat high suicide rates in Manitoba’s aboriginal communities. The public health expert notes that, regardless of these communities’ whereabouts, suicide attempts by young aboriginals, aged 15 to 25, have one feature in common. “They feel completely hopeless. They can’t imagine a life ahead of them and see suicide as a rational solution to their plight,” explains O’Neil, who is available for further comment.
John O’Neil, 778.782.5361, joneil@sfu.ca
Tasering on trial
The results of one of four probes into how the tasering and death of a Polish immigrant at Vancouver International Airport unfolded are expected any day now. SFU criminologist Robert Gordon is available to comment on the Canada Border Services Agency report, the first investigation to wrap up. He can also offer comment on the results of other reports coming down the pipe. An independent body’s report is expected Dec. 12.
Robert Gordon, 778.782.4305 (w), 604.418.6640 (cell), rgordon@sfu.ca
Ehor Boyanowsky, 604.921.6650, boyanows@sfu.ca
Tasering on trial
Dying for help
The attempted suicide of seven people within one week in Hazelton has prompted the tiny First Nations community’s elders to reach out for federal help. Since June there have been 59 attempted suicides in the northwestern village of 6,000 people. Many of the attempts are by young people. SFU Dean of Health Sciences John O’Neil has published more than 120 papers and reports on a variety of aboriginal health issues. O’Neil is currently co-investigating suicide risk factors and prevention tactics to combat high suicide rates in Manitoba’s aboriginal communities. The public health expert notes that, regardless of these communities’ whereabouts, suicide attempts by young aboriginals, aged 15 to 25, have one feature in common. “They feel completely hopeless. They can’t imagine a life ahead of them and see suicide as a rational solution to their plight,” explains O’Neil, who is available for further comment.
John O’Neil, 778.782.5361, joneil@sfu.ca
Tasering on trial
The results of one of four probes into how the tasering and death of a Polish immigrant at Vancouver International Airport unfolded are expected any day now. SFU criminologist Robert Gordon is available to comment on the Canada Border Services Agency report, the first investigation to wrap up. He can also offer comment on the results of other reports coming down the pipe. An independent body’s report is expected Dec. 12.
Robert Gordon, 778.782.4305 (w), 604.418.6640 (cell), rgordon@sfu.ca
Ehor Boyanowsky, 604.921.6650, boyanows@sfu.ca