Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Honours World Suicide Prevention Day with Online Event on Indigenous Knowledge and Life Promotion
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, people will gather in communities across Canada and around the world to show support for suicide prevention efforts, to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died by suicide, to comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide, and to strengthen connections and community together.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is marking this day by hosting a free and live virtual event entitled, Indigenous Knowledge and Life Promotion: Changing Narratives on Suicide, featuring guest speakers Elder John Rice and Metis scholar Lindsay DuPré.
Join Elder John and Lindsay as they share teachings and insights into how Indigenous Knowledge can shift perspectives on suicide. Elder John is a third-degree member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society and Elder/Knowledge Holder at Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services. He has an incredible ability to weave and harmonize Traditional Knowledge and Teachings into mainstream work.
Grounded in her lived experiences as a Métis scholar, mom and auntie, Lindsay will explore how our relationships with Knowledge shape our wellbeing and our sense of community liveability. Her presentation will highlight the rigour of Indigenous Science and its potential for shaping life promotion strategies.
“We are deeply grateful to Elder John and Lindsay for joining CASP to mark this important day and to share novel insights that will enrichen our collective understanding and appreciation for how Indigenous knowledge can change the narrative on suicide,” said Andrew Perez, Interim Executive Director of CASP.
Life promotion is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural teachings and shifts the narrative from crisis response to one of hope, healing and empowerment. At its core, Life Promotion is about celebrating life. Rather than focusing solely on suicide prevention, it embraces a ‘language of life’— a strengths-based approach that emphasizes belonging, meaning, purpose and hope.
Following the presentation, there will be a Q & A and closing segment, with attendees encouraged to participate in a “Global Candle Vigil” by placing a candle in their window to “Light a Flame of Hope” at 8:00 pm in their respective time zones. This World Suicide Prevention Day event will be held on Wednesday, September 10th, 12:00-1:30 PM ET and registration is required.
CASP recently released its 2025 World Suicide Prevention Toolkit and shareable social media graphics. The toolkit includes event ideas, stories of hope, Wise Practices for Life Promotion and practical ways for communities across Canada to get involved. Graphics are available in English and French, with other languages available upon request. Find the free toolkit, banners, and registration details here.
In addition to this year’s online event, a new Forest of Hope will take root in Stony Plain, Alberta on World Suicide Prevention Day. Forest of Hope is a long-term program of CASP, and each year a new location is selected and planted with seedlings in honour of loved ones who died by suicide, those impacted by suicide and in the name of hope. Residents are invited to attend the forest’s official opening on Tuesday, September 10 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM local time, located in the green space directly north of the Stony Plain courthouse at 4200 46 St, Stony Plain. Learn more about the Forest of Hope Program.
About CASP
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is a pan-Canadian registered charity at the forefront of suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and life promotion initiatives for more than 40 years. CASP envisions a Canada without Suicide and a world in which people enjoy an optimal quality of life, are long-living, socially responsible and optimistic about the future. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, CASP is supported by several dynamic committees, advisory and working groups. Since 1990, CASP has convened a national suicide prevention conference annually in a different Canadian region.
To learn more about CASP, its advocacy, communication and education efforts, contact us.
Resources
pdf
Influence of early responders with people impacted by suicide loss. “Focus on KTE”, an initiative of CASP’s Knowledge Translation and Exchange Advisory Group.
pdf
A Guide for Family and Friends
pdf
Learn more about who is at risk of intentional injury
pdf
Types of bullying and how to help
pdf
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that asks: “What happened to you?”
pdf
Tools. strategies, and resources to help cope with thoughts of suicide
article
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
article
CASP calls upon the Government of Canada to act on their pledge
pdf
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
pdf
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
pdf
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
pdf
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
pdf
This is a guide to preventing suicide in your community. The guide will walk you through creating a community suicide prevention plan.
article
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
pdf
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
article
Hear more about life after a suicide attempt from suicide survivors
article
Nine things you can do to help
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Honours World Suicide Prevention Day with Online Event on Indigenous Knowledge and Life Promotion
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, people will gather in communities across Canada and around the world to show support for suicide prevention efforts, to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died by suicide, to comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide, and to strengthen connections and community together.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is marking this day by hosting a free and live virtual event entitled, Indigenous Knowledge and Life Promotion: Changing Narratives on Suicide, featuring guest speakers Elder John Rice and Metis scholar Lindsay DuPré.
Join Elder John and Lindsay as they share teachings and insights into how Indigenous Knowledge can shift perspectives on suicide. Elder John is a third-degree member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society and Elder/Knowledge Holder at Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services. He has an incredible ability to weave and harmonize Traditional Knowledge and Teachings into mainstream work.
Grounded in her lived experiences as a Métis scholar, mom and auntie, Lindsay will explore how our relationships with Knowledge shape our wellbeing and our sense of community liveability. Her presentation will highlight the rigour of Indigenous Science and its potential for shaping life promotion strategies.
“We are deeply grateful to Elder John and Lindsay for joining CASP to mark this important day and to share novel insights that will enrichen our collective understanding and appreciation for how Indigenous knowledge can change the narrative on suicide,” said Andrew Perez, Interim Executive Director of CASP.
Life promotion is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural teachings and shifts the narrative from crisis response to one of hope, healing and empowerment. At its core, Life Promotion is about celebrating life. Rather than focusing solely on suicide prevention, it embraces a ‘language of life’— a strengths-based approach that emphasizes belonging, meaning, purpose and hope.
Following the presentation, there will be a Q & A and closing segment, with attendees encouraged to participate in a “Global Candle Vigil” by placing a candle in their window to “Light a Flame of Hope” at 8:00 pm in their respective time zones. This World Suicide Prevention Day event will be held on Wednesday, September 10th, 12:00-1:30 PM ET and registration is required.
CASP recently released its 2025 World Suicide Prevention Toolkit and shareable social media graphics. The toolkit includes event ideas, stories of hope, Wise Practices for Life Promotion and practical ways for communities across Canada to get involved. Graphics are available in English and French, with other languages available upon request. Find the free toolkit, banners, and registration details here.
In addition to this year’s online event, a new Forest of Hope will take root in Stony Plain, Alberta on World Suicide Prevention Day. Forest of Hope is a long-term program of CASP, and each year a new location is selected and planted with seedlings in honour of loved ones who died by suicide, those impacted by suicide and in the name of hope. Residents are invited to attend the forest’s official opening on Tuesday, September 10 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM local time, located in the green space directly north of the Stony Plain courthouse at 4200 46 St, Stony Plain. Learn more about the Forest of Hope Program.
About CASP
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is a pan-Canadian registered charity at the forefront of suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and life promotion initiatives for more than 40 years. CASP envisions a Canada without Suicide and a world in which people enjoy an optimal quality of life, are long-living, socially responsible and optimistic about the future. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, CASP is supported by several dynamic committees, advisory and working groups. Since 1990, CASP has convened a national suicide prevention conference annually in a different Canadian region.
To learn more about CASP, its advocacy, communication and education efforts, contact us.
Resources
Focus on KTE
Influence of early responders with people impacted by suicide loss. “Focus on KTE”, an initiative of CASP’s Knowledge Translation and Exchange Advisory Group.
After a Suicide Attempt – A Guide for Family and Friends
A Guide for Family and Friends
Injury Prevention and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Learn more about who is at risk of intentional injury
Bullying and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Types of bullying and how to help
Trauma-informed Care and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that asks: “What happened to you?”
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Attempt
Tools. strategies, and resources to help cope with thoughts of suicide
Vocabulary – How to Talk about Suicide
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
CASP Urges Canadian Government to Ensure all Indigenous Peoples Have Human Rights Met
CASP calls upon the Government of Canada to act on their pledge
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
Talking to Children About A Suicide
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
Suicide Risk Assessment Kit
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Loss
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
Together to Live
This is a guide to preventing suicide in your community. The guide will walk you through creating a community suicide prevention plan.
The Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Suicide is Everyone’s Business
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
I Survived a Suicide Attempt
Hear more about life after a suicide attempt from suicide survivors
You Can Help With Suicide Prevention
Nine things you can do to help
Announcing the Launch of our Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitators Network
Related Information
Ways to Donate
Suicide Grief in Children and Adolescents
How You Can Support Those Living With Suicide Loss
Support for People Living with Loss
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Media Guidelines
Media
Events
Articles
Advocacy
Forests of Hope Program
The Case for a National Strategy and Nationwide Hotline
Why Do People Die by Suicide?
Promoting Hope and Resiliency is Central to Suicide Prevention
CASP urges Canadian Government to ensure all Indigenous peoples have human rights met
How To Handle Distress Calls At Work
CASP Strongly Believes Canada Needs A National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention Believes All Canadians Have A Part In Reconciliation
CASP Issues Statement About MAiD for Mental Illness
Statement on Recent MAiD Developments
Considerations for Online Support Groups