Trudeau accepts chief's invitation

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to Chief Bruce Shisheesh’s letter asking for an immediate meeting.

Hours after Shisheesh posted the letter on  Twitter, the office of the Prime Minister responded to his cry for action.

Trudeau, who recently had a private visited to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, replied via letter and said they will forge a durable solution.

“I am agonized to see the number of suicide attempts by young people in Attawapiskat, and I wish to express my sincere support for the families and community members who are affected by this tragic situation.”

In the two dates between the writing of the Chief’s letter and Trudeau’s response, nine more young members of the reserve attempted suicide.

In the original letter, Shisheesh said the need to fix the problem is becoming life-or-death.

“While the effort of your ministers is appreciated to date, its falls short of finding a permanent solution for our youth here in Attawapiskat,” he said.

Shisheesh had requested the meeting with Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Carolyn Bennett, and the Minister of Youth Justin Trudeau take place before the Assembly of First Nations Annual General meeting which takes place in June.

Though Trudeau did not give an exact date in the letter, he said the office of the Prime Minister will be in contact with the chief very shortly.

The meeting will take place in Ottawa.