Recognition of Toby Obed

Toby Obed, originally from Goose Bay, was in Brandon Manitoba on October 22nd, 2009, where he received the Fred Ford Award presented to a Canadian volunteer or grass roots worker who has made an exemplary contribution to their community by initiating support programs for survivors of suicide.

The award is co-sponsored by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

It is a well known fact that Inuit have the highest rate of suicide in Canada, 11 times the national average, and this tragically high number appears to be on the increase in some regions of our homeland. Like many Inuit I have seen both sides of suicide, the devastation that is left in its wake, and the great perseverance among our people in prevention and initiatives that take place following suicide attempts.

The hard work and dedication of people like Toby Obed deserves recognition of this nature and I would like to add my voice to those recognizing his efforts.

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