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CMHA Kootenays hosts World Suicide Prevention Day
By Erin Knutson
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kootenays Branch hosted World Suicide Prevention Day at Rotary Park on Thursday, September 10, to raise awareness for mental health, addictions, and suicide prevention throughout the East Kootenay region.
Natalie Hake, Director of Public Education and Crisis Services at CMHA Kootenays, organized the event and welcomed guests, speakers, performers, and community partners.
The evening began with a performance by the Sookenai Singers and DJ services from Just Music Ltd. It concluded with singer-songwriter Maddisun, whose guitar and vocal stylings accompanied the candlelight vigil walk to remember those lost to suicide.
“Today, we are proud to honour World Suicide Prevention Day and come together as a community to foster hope and healing. Many of our community partners are here, and they care. Often, people are unaware of available resources, so this is an opportunity to learn more.
“Please visit these resources—they may be lifesaving,” Hake said of the Cranbrook Pride Society, Community Connections Society of Southeast BC, BC Schizophrenia Society, Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, and Cranbrook RCMP, who were among those in attendance.
Therapy dogs from Therapeutic Paws of Canada Cranbrook-Kimberley were present, providing comfort and support to participants.
Hake thanked event sponsor George Berry of Berry Architecture & Associates, whose $6,100 donation made the evening possible.
“I’m honoured to be here. If we can reach one person, that’s everything,” said Berry, who shared the experience of losing his grandmother to suicide because of untreated mental illness.
Guest speakers included CMHA Kootenays Board Chair Kirk Green and motivational speaker Chris Beaudry, former Humboldt Broncos Junior Hockey coach and survivor of the 2018 bus crash.
Green and Beaudry shared their stories about suicide and loss, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, support, and community connections.
“It leaves you wondering if you could have done something to prevent the outcome,” Green said about the uncertainty felt by those left behind.
Beaudry discussed the importance of vulnerability in healing, reflecting on his journey through grief after the bus crash of his team near Armley, Saskatchewan, that claimed 16 lives of friends and team members.
He pointed to acceptance in the grieving process, sharing that he expressed his emotions openly in front of his children. He hoped to show the next generation by example that vulnerability is a strength and can help people move beyond trauma.
Beaudry used the metaphor of an orange to illustrate wholeness and self-acceptance.
“You are whole—you are enough just as you are, no matter your occupation, whether that’s sweeping floors or running the country,” Beaudry said while holding an orange in his hand.
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, is a global initiative to promote action, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that suicide is preventable.
If you or someone you know needs support or access to community resources, call or text 9-8-8. In the BC Interior Region, support is also available at 1-888-353-2273. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, and no one has to face their struggles alone.
“Let’s continue the conversation about suicide prevention, showing compassion and connection.
“Together, we can make a difference and help save lives,” said Hake on behalf of the CMHA Kootenays Branch.
Lead image: CMHA Kootenays Branch hosts World Prevention Suicide Day on September 10 at Rotary Park in Cranbrook. Lori Bender (left) Kirk Green (centre) with Tom Shypitka and guests at the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Tent. Photos by Erin Knutson
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