The Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says reducing the youth suicide rate among first nation’s youth starts with respect.

Bobby Cameron feels Indigenous youth aren’t being respected for the colour of their skin and says the FSIN is ready to work with the government on solutions.

The FSIN adopted a suicide prevention strategy at the Spring Legislative Assembly near Saskatoon.

It contains 75 action items which the FSIN calls multifaceted, evidence-based, trauma-informed and first nation’s specific.

The suicide rate amongst Indigenous youth is more than four times higher than non-first nation’s youth. The FSIN says the rate for girls aged 10-to-19 is 30 times higher than their non-first nation’s peers.