Community “Yes 2 Life” campaign

October 6, 2017

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

GRIC students, ranging from third to 12th grades, that attend schools in and around the Community, took part in the “Yes 2 Life” campaign essay, poetry and art contest during the month of September, and were awarded for their talents on Sept. 25.

In all, over 88 students submitted their artistic contributions to the campaign that was coordinated by the Suicide GAP team, which is part of a Community initiative to address suicide.

Students focused their efforts on bringing awareness to suicide and the need to talk about and seek help if they are dealing with thoughts of harming themselves.

Tribal Education Department Student Behavioral Specialist Gale Dawson said, “There were some wonderful entries with the students expressing how they see (through art), they express (through essay) and how they feel (through poetry) about “Yes 2 Life” in their Community.”

The campaign concluded a month long initiative that included events and activities that encouraged Community members to speak out about suicide, bringing awareness to the issue.

The Community formally recognized September as Suicide Awareness Month, through passing of resolution GR-025-17, which supports community departments and services, who work to address suicide across GRIC.