A letter-writing campaign is helping reach out to First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan coping with the recent tragedy where six girls took their own lives in less than a month.

Fran Forsberg is a long time foster parent and children’s rights advocate who felt compelled to act after hearing of the suicide crisis.

The spate of deaths in Northern Saskatchewan has drawn the attention of politicians who are trying to solve the complex problem. Saskatchewan’s premier and northern chiefs committed to a $17 million northern treatment and recovery centre in a meeting Friday.

Health Minister Jane Philpott said the problem “won’t be solved overnight” and that it requires a “very comprehensive approach.”

But for those living in the communities, the pain is still raw. The RCMP said they have received almost 100 calls in the past month related to mental health issues. Chief Peter Beatty of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation told reporters that suicide attempts are still happening.

“The attempts are there, on a daily, on a weekly basis,” he said.

Forsberg started the unique campaign with a simple Facebook post in hopes of connecting with children in the indigenous communities.

“The children up in these northern communities need to know that their lives matter,” she wrote on Facebook. “I ask that you take a few minutes of your time to a write a card or letter of encouragement to these youth. Answer the call to know we are all connected, that they are loved, that they are not alone.”

Forsberg’s call struck a chord with Canadians from coast to coast. The campaign will have sent more than 2,000 cards and letters by next week.

Family members of one of the victims think the simple act of putting pen to paper might help other children who are still grieving.

“The kids here can write back and tell them what’s happening in their lives, and tell them on paper what their thoughts are,” Nancy Ratt said. Sally Ratt said: “I think it will have a positive effect on our youth.”

“I had such a good response and I’m so happy about it,” Forsberg told CTV News.

The first box of cards arrived in the community earlier this week.

With a report from CTV's Jill Macyshon