Protesters in Calgary gathered in a show of solidarity, to let the residents of a remote northern Ontario reserve wracked by a suicide crisis know they're not alone.
Thousands of kilometres away from Attawapiskat, dozens of protesters in Calgary said they'd like to see the government increase support for the troubled First Nation.
Chantal Chagnon said she felt an "overwhelming sadness" when she heard about the recent string of suicide attempts.
"As an indigenous woman, I know when I was younger I suffered with depression and it was really difficult for me to hear just how alone those youth felt," Chagnon told CTV Calgary.
She said, unless all Canadians work together, including governments and First Nations, the community will be unable to "move forward."
The suicide attempts have been linked to deplorable living conditions and a lack of opportunities for the young people in Attawapiskat.
"I don't think it's one person's problem, I don't think it's just the reserve's problem or the government's problem, the just the city's problem," said protester Pamela Beebe. "I think it's all of us, we can all do our part and contribute resources."
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett and local MP Charlie Angus are set to visit Attawapiskat on Monday.
The community declared a state of emergency earlier this month after 11 individuals attempted suicide in one day. A few days later officials said 13 aboriginal youth who were part of a suicide pact were apprehended before causing any harm to themselves.
Attawapiskat Chief Bruce Shisheesh said five more young people attempted to take their own lives on Friday evening.
With a report from CTV Calgary
