Hundreds of First Nations chiefs from across Canada are in Ottawa this week for a special assembly.

In his opening remarks, National Chief Perry Bellegarde, from the Little Black Bear First Nation mentioned the suicide crisis in several communities.

“And we know that too many of our young ones are taking their lives. And so we say to those young people that you’re special, you are gifted and you are loved. Never forget that.”

Chief Bellegarde is urging the federal government to implement a national youth suicide strategy.

The meeting will look to tackle key policy issues and set a political strategy for working with Ottawa. (CJGX)