I am going to start off by saying that Thunder Bay's Lakehead University has an amazing campus diversity and there are many genders, lifestyles, cultures, classes, sizes, and shapes.  But, for one day a year, the women of the school come together for one solid purpose - to honour women.  Women need to be honoured for their wisdom, knowledge, artistic expression, creativity, style, and personality.  This conference was a chance to indulge in womanhood and become a part of the academic community, but for me, it was a day camp for my holiday break.

The first workshop was depicting Ophelia, the Shakespearian character, in pictures as expressed by Bellocq in "Ophelia."  Through art, a women, a prostitute, was depicted in her natural beauty, where she transformed into physical form.  This, the presenters said, gave her agency over her identity which was originally made my men, thus subject to oppression.  This is the power of ARTIST AGENCY.

The second workshop was a panel of local leaders in women's community engagement.  There were mixed reviews about whether women's work has been well received, but there was an agreement that women's roles are changing.  There is a need to create safe spaces for women of any sexuality.  A sign of the times is feminist scholarship and the feminization of poverty.

There was a speaker named Jessica Polzer, PHD, from the Department of Women's Studies and Feminist Research and School of Health Studies and the Western.  She discussed "The Political Anatomy of Women's Health: Risk, Technology, and Biological Citizenship in a Neo-Liberal Era."  She made reference to genetic testing for heredity in breast cancer.  This further embeds the risk in body, she says.  The second reference she made was HPV vaccination as represented through popular media.  She noted that parents were encouraged to vaccinate their daughters and the cost is $400.  Girls need to make this decision when they are very young.  Pap screening is thus discredited and this presents the challenge of whether governmentality makes it important for self-regulation.  She showed an image used to promote the vaccination, with a women from her underwear down with a disinterested man in the background, with the caption, "GET VACCINATED."  This encourages young women to take the responsibility to know and manage risk.  This pronounces the idea that female bodies are carriers for risk and disease while clearly exemplifying the duty for parents to protect their daughters.  Healthy sex becomes getting vaccinated and young women who are not vaccinated are further oppressed by their peers.  Women become "medicalized objects and subjects."  She ended with a Saturday Night Live video of "Pound Cake Doll" who injects little girls as a humourous representation of the extent of advertising.

The last workshop I went to was called "The Old Woman and the Barefoot Maiden."  Katja Maki and Taina Maki Chahal represented Finnish Folk Characters through art, song, and story.  The song they played was in Finnish, but they handed out the lyrics below:

I want to tell thee my worries now.

O mother, my breast is troubled

As the storms of life stole my peace

And that which was dearest to me

In the morning of my life I fell in love

And watched the golden clouds.

O mother if only I had known to look

In the black earth of death

Perhaps I would have kept

My childhood faith in my breast

And perhaps the glow of my hope

Would still be light in the sky

O mother comfort me

Thy child's cheek is burning

As the struggle and disappointment of life

Have hurt me sorely 

I am impressed with the news coverage of world events as of late. My sources of news are many, but lately mainstream news has been more interesting. I love CBC for the Newshour and it is interesting to watch the wedding and the happenings with Osama and Obama. CTV is good in the mornings for Canada AM. It is good to watch the political talks with the special guests and I always find tidbits of predicting information engaging. I also enjoy watching channel 7 news to get information about the states. Channel 13 is also a good source of information and is based in the states. I am getting into the states news lately because it is more hopeful in some ways. However, I would hope that we would never celebrate a death. I simply mean that they have a heads up with more left wing politics.

There are other sources of information I find interesting along with the news. The show 'The Doctors' is good for health-related information and 'Regis and Kelly' is good for entertainment news. Shaw TV is a staple that proves to be interesting in almost every way. Every time I watch, and sometimes re-watch, I gain more information about local happenings and events. It is the best source of information lately and has improved a lot and will continue to improve. If I want to forget about real life for a while, channel 30 or TVO which has stories about real life expeditions are channels in which I'm finding an interest. There was this one show about scuba divers which makes me wonder how some people are so adventurous. TVO also has shows with Steve Paikin which address news topics in an editorial way. I was scared of him for the longest time when I was younger but now I find him intersting.

I just spoke with my sister about my Master's project idea and she gave me some good ideas. I was thinking I wanted to study the formats of mental health projects who partner with higher education institutions and community. I wanted to look at The New Mentality (www.cmho.org), Mind Your Mind (www.mindyourmind.ca), Mobilizing Minds (www.mobilizingminds.ca), and Active Minds (www.activeminds.org) as models of mental health organizing for anti-stigma. I am interested in learning more about research so one of my professors gave me a book on research and might take me on to help with research in the fall. I really want to free up some time to commit to this because it would be very relevant to my learning future. If I could, I would like to start an Active Minds chapter at Lakehead University, although my sister warned me about this being too elementary for a graduate level project. Something like getting a Mobilizing Minds project started is a bit more difficult because it involves professors committing to dedicating time to get the group started. Right now, emotionally, figureatively, and literally, I am looking at preparing not only myself, but others for the undertaking that will be happening in a year. My sister has said that she did nothing but read even during her undergrad. A lot of other things in my life are going to take a back seat. It's a rigorous process and takes a lot of focus to complete a Master's in Social Work. I'm not resisting, but I am going back to the basics for sure when it happens. Even next year, the preparation begins and I need to rethink my summer and what I am dedicating my time to. Preparation means making changes and working hard. I want to ask my professors a lot of questions, really read the material, and come prepared to get to the next learning level and really improve my education.

I thouroughly enjoyed the Act Out conference put on my Gender Issues last Saturday. Sometimes a smaller turnout is okay when you generate good discussion. There was a workshop on mental health in the morning and this inspired me to come up with a plan for action around local mental health. Although there are other groups, I have not heard anything about recent events. I am still holding on to the dream of forming a club on campus, perhaps for my Master's project I can work on this. Just an idea. The second workshop was a workshop about WUSC, the student refugee program at LU that brings in several refugees each year straight from their camps. There was a chilling video and the workshop represented the importance of expanding your mind and trying something new. Next, there was a cultural diversity workshop where we talked about what are commonalities are despite differences, represented by different colored jelly beans. Ending off, we finished with a workshop about Aboriginal activism. I'm sad to have ended my placement at the Gender Issues Centre, but I'm moving forward with other things. I have committed to a job at a Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre as well as hopefully doing placement in mental health next year. I will try to remain involved in the Gender Issues Centre because I enjoyed it so much. I purchased a Good Food Box which I encourage anyone who likes good food to do. They are $12 for a single and $20 for a family and can be purchased in the early part of the month at Northern Women's Centre and many other sites, including GIC during the school year. GIC is closing for the winter, but will be back in full force.

The LUSU Centres are hosting a Social Justice Conference addressing topics such as stigma and barriers towards mental health, International refugee student experience, Aboriginal activism, and Cultural Diversity. The event is geared towards high school students, though we have opened it up to any students or youth. It will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with University students and gain some skills in anti-oppression and social activism. I'm thinking anyone would love to attend this free event with lunch provided. If you're thinking of going to Lakehead or would like to know more about student life and social change, please sign up! You won't be disappointed. The event is on Saturday, April 2nd at the Lakehead Regional Centre near the Outpost from 10am-5pm http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=170678659646180 Facebook event is here. https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&ndplr=1&AuthEventSource=SSO&formkey=dFV6NVdtSHhCNUpxdUtvTks1OVlsR2c6MQ Event registration is here.

I'm so impressed with the amount of time I can spend on twitter and not get bored. I have found it's use and made it work for me. I love blog sites too, and because twitter is so successful at engaging people across distances, and facebook helps the activist and action-oriented community thrive, as a blogger, I see a future in unmarketing my events and activities. I want to blog on this site about the events that are coming up in my community and talk about them afterwards using this forum. It is not far from being a useful tool for community change, but for me it is only beginning.

I have yet to learn the uses of facebook in my life, because I get lost in other people's lives. With twitter and blogger, I feel more control. I can choose the knowledge that I am consuming. I think large text and small text are two entirely different things, and you need both. I have used facebook up until now as a way to keep in touch with friends and find out about local events, but posted very little content. It's not long before I begin to be as active on facebook as I am on twitter. On twitter, I post for http://www.twitter.com/mobilizingminds and http://www.twitter.com/genderissues as well as my own http://www.twitter.com/paulinefogarty ... sometimes I feel like my life is spent on twitter.

I'm rekindling the blogging flame in my life and this is a good start. I have a goal to blog at least twice a week. So, I hope that I can begin to exchange blog names with some interesting bloggers. Where are you? I know you're there.

Two other great Northern social media sites are www.sevenyouthmedia.com and www.wawataynews.com ... they make me smile!

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” - Socrates

It feels good to decide once in a while to get rid of many things. What does that feeling come from? It is difficult to determine what the meaning is in buying things in the first place if this is the case. What has made me want to stop buying is the feeling that comes with not feeling lured in by being sold things. If anyone is trying to sell me something, there is no joy in the little things that should make me happy.

Stuff would not be needed if there was more appreciation for low cost living. I've come into contact with people who have found ways to find only the things they need to keep rid of the junk and have more happiness with simplicity. It is a shift in thinking and the only cure for obsessive buying and hoarding is embracing hard work and not striving for short-lived excitement or unhealthy habits.

There are ways to enjoy life and treat yourself too. If the treat would make me feel bad after endulging, then it is no treat. "Till Debt do Us Part," is an amazing show that brings light to the fact that the way most people live which is in debt or from paycheck to paycheck can be avoided by changing your lifestyle. Van Oxlade suggests that you cut up your credit cards and debit cards if you're inclined to buy.

What's laughable is these stories about the people who spend to the point of debt are the people who have the most. Living happy is living without all the fixings. If you can find ways to contribute and work hard in a fast paced society without falling into the pattern of overconsumption and over-spending, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you can never get enough of what you don't really need.

I think it's time for a change. I'm not sure what my future holds, but I woke up recently, much like the lead character in "Unknown". He undergoes a transnformation when he comes to the realization that he has lost his memory and now has to live with the consequences of someone else's life and feels a responsibility towards humanity. I have come to realize that what matters to me most is not what I originally thought.

It is interesting to note that the major players in finding my new self were my job for Mobilizing Minds, my placement, and the goal of doing a Master's degree in Social Work. Refreshed after a week long break from school, there will be new motivation to undertake more responsibility in these fields and accept that what mattered to me in my past will not always hold true to be important. I have changed because I am more dedicated to producing outcomes that are satisfying, creative, and driven. I want to learn more about the new me by seeking out opportunities that bring me closer to her.

Finding that self has been impacted by my paper on concurrent disorders and Aboriginal youth. And, my first step in bringing it all together will be going to the youth centre meeting on "Drug Buzz", which will be a workshop this next week at Dennis Franklin Cromarty. It is an opportune time to commit to something that is related to my interests and overall mission to sustain and improve the mental health of myself and others through action-oriented feminist projects. The next step is also defining my role in the Girl Empowerment program at the youth centre. I have come to terms with the fact that, like the lead role in the movie, "Unknown," there are pieces of my past that I need to fix with this new found knowledge that I can change my surroundings by changing my mind. I would love to bring a cause, but sometimes it's better to take it all in before making a decision or articulating my idea.

We're always prone to associating taking with negative things. Perhaps, if we are more apt to look at recharging our batteries as receiving, we will look at ourselves and others as giving more fair distribution, instead of thinking that we owe the giver. When we appreciate the gift of giving, and allow others to experience this, we will reap the rewards. It is not about the desire to be in perfect balance all of the time, because sometimes we may receive too much or give too much, but about the way we correct the error in order to maintain a stable mental health.

Do you safely care for yourself? When you feel run down, use a different model and appreciate your ability to change, improve, and stive for balance. It is when we are stressed that our body is telling us to pause giving and begin receiving. Too often we don't take the time out of our busy day to receive something, or we are trained to be stubborn and attempt to do everything on our own. It is good to take time every day to critically reflect and think introspectively about ourselves and our situation. There are different components of health that we need to give to and take care of, such as the body through exercise, the mind through reading, and the soul through inner peace.

Do you genuinely care for others? The joy of giving can only be experienced when you want to. With relationships, the question is not "what is best for me?" but rather "what is best for us?" When we regard negotiating and comprising as effective conflict resolutions, we do not seek to find creative solutions that meet both the needs and wants of both parties. "Every individual must arrange their own life, taking others into account." When everyone looks out for each other and respects relationships, noone is left out. There is no happiness unless you help others to the top of the mountain and reach out a hand to those in need.

Being positive is very important to appreciating the moment. Falling is part of life, but failing is not the end of the world. Come up for air and think of attitudes you hold about what you can handle on your own and what you need help with. Sometimes when others persist to help when you do not see assistance as necessary, it can be embarrassing. But, in this circumstance you can think of catch lines that are soft refusals for help, such as, "give me time to think about my problem, then I'll come to you for help if I need it."

And, always forgive those who have caused you misfortune. Separate what was done to you from what you must do in return. When you're forgiving, you grieve your losses but are not consumed by them.

The statistics show that 30% of women who are abused have an eating disorder in Canada. 70 000 women in Ontario have an eating disorder. Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescent females.

Another type of abuse called "intellectual abuse" is common among middle-class and affluent families. This includes sarcasm, perfectionism, rigid control, and high expectations that harm a child's self-esteem.

When dealing with women who are affected by abuse-related stress, it is important to identify the abusive behaviour by instigating the idea that abuse is not your fault and abuse is wrong. Reframing the self-blame into reappraisal of self-worth and bodily integrity is important.

Victims of abuse are more likely to experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, women may not care for themselves, eat properly, take medications or see their doctor. They may withraw from support and begin self-cutting, impulsive eating or ultimately commit suicide.

Exposure to family violence contributes to higher levles of stress and tension and a greater risk of health disorders and problems. Women may lack a support system and relying on health care providers and social service workers are the steps towards prevention and intervention.

I attended an Aboriginal ceremonial gathering at Centennial Park in Thunder Bay which explored the strength of creating self-expression circles led by spiritual leaders.
I arrived at the 'Big House' which was constructed in a local green space for this weekend ceremony. The tarp was held up by branches of cedar which represent the different cultures of the world. Though I am not Aboriginal, I was welcomed into the giant healing lodge, along with about 30 others.

The Aboriginal connection to the earth is quite powerful and I believe that finding that peace within and with the environment is essential to mental health. The wise leader of the ceremony spoke all afternoon about how women are the sacred carriers of life, much like water carries life. Women are also considered very powerful during their moon-time, so the cedar branches create a wall around a women on her moontime in the lodge to protect the others from this intense power. We had a traditional feast of healthy nourishment and there was enough food for over 100 people.

After the leader had guided us through song on his drum which was a rare 'water drum', we had a moment of reflection by going around the circle. During this time, everyone was interested in hearing about each person's introduction, personal stories, and anything else they felt they wanted to share. I believe that this group way of communication is effective because it allows for personal reflection and group support. The things that were shared were very personal and related to the group dynamic because of the peace that comes with having preservation of memorable moments.

I have been using computers regularly since the early days of internet when I was in Gr. 7. I have a love of exploring, but also being a part of communities and creating content. Lately, with web 2.0, I have fallen in love with the networks that I have over social networking sites, and the ability we have to follow RSS feeds about anything of interest and comment on articles, blogs, poetry and stories. What you can believe, you can realize over web 2.0.

I have always dreamed of a site like facebook where I could find my old friends from my hometown because I had become so distant from them over the years. It is amazing to now communicate with people I haven't seen for several years. It is thrilling that there are channels of communication for different things, facebook for personal use, twitter for organizational use, and linked in for professional use. And, with the world of internet, uses for social networking are all beautifully mixed and matched.

In reality, there is no limit to the amount of things you can do over the internet. Once I find something that interests me, pursuing it is the easy part, but creatively expressing myself over the site takes time. TakingITGlobal.org is a great place for me, because it is an international community which takes issues that are important to me and makes them active, when in my community they are dormant sometimes. It takes a lot to find your niche over the internet as sometimes there is so much content, almost to a fault. But, at tigweb.org I can be a part of a community that challenges me to think, act, invent, and dream. Everyone is so far away, but the energy perpetuates into the Multicultural Youth Centre in Thunder Bay where I work. What's impressive is the different mediums of involvement such as the following: project pages, group pages, organization pages, the global gallery, discussion boards, blogs, commitments, and regional pages to name some of the available tools. The organization is so far-reaching that there are 295,749 members in 261 countries. There is someone active on every interest possible and the possibilities are limitless.

I have recently come into contact with web-casting and that is another great communication tool, especially for rural communities. In rural communities up North, many do not have internet access, so we would do very well to have broadband internet access as is being proposed by the opposition government. Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a home internet to contribute their views and values? My dream is to find those who are impacted by the digital divide locally and then use the internet to advocate for equal access to information communication technologies.

I have been using computers regularly since the early days of internet when I was in Gr. 7. I have a love of exploring, but also being a part of communities and creating content. Lately, with web 2.0, I have fallen in love with the networks that I have over social networking sites, and the ability we have to follow RSS feeds about anything of interest and comment on articles, blogs, poetry and stories. What you can believe, you can realize over web 2.0.

I have always dreamed of a site like facebook where I could find my old friends from my hometown because I had become so distant from them over the years. It is amazing to know communicate with people I haven't seen for several years. It is thrilling that there are channels of communication for different things, facebook for personal use, twitter for organizational use, and linked in for professional use. And, with the world of internet, uses for social networking are all beautifully mixed and matched.

In reality, there is no limit to the amount of things you can do over the internet. Once I find something that interests me, pursuing it is the easy part, but creatively expressing myself over the site takes time. TakingITGlobal.org is a great place for me, because it is an international community which takes issues which are important to me and makes them active where in my community they are dormant sometimes. It takes a lot to find your niche over the internet as sometimes there is so much content, almost to a fault. But, at tigweb.org I can be a part of a community that challenges me to think, act, invent, and dream. Everyone is so far away, but the energy perpetuates into the Multicultural Youth Centre in Thunder Bay where I work. What's impressive is the different mediums of involvement such as the following: project pages, group pages, organization pages, the global gallery, discussion boards, blogs, commitments, and regional pages to name some of the available networks. The organization is so far-reaching that there are 295,749 members in 261 countries. There is someone active on every interest possible and the possibilities are limitless.

I have recently come into contact with web-casting and that is another great communication tool, especially for rural communities. In rural communities up North, many do not have internet access, so we would do very well to have broadband internet access as is being proposed by the opposition government. Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a home internet to contribute their views and values? My dream is to find those who are impacted by the digital divide locally and then use the internet to advocate for equal access to information communication technologies.

What do you think the leading cause of death is in Northwestern Ontario? Vehicle-related accidents? Cancer? Gang Violence? The reality is, suicide takes the most lives as a preventable, but deadly community issue. Due to isolation, there is a lack of trained mental health workers, lack of inclusion, lack of confidence, lack of discussions about the topic, and lack of strength among youth to overcome the dangers.

The Aboriginal rate of suicide is 5 times that of non-Aboriginal. Ontario Aboriginal suicide rate was named one of the highest in the world in 2000, when Pikanjikum had 8 girls commit suicide, some as young as 13 and 27 suicides in the Treaty 9 communities. ‘City Natives’ face issues such as gangs, prostitution, poverty, lack of education and substance abuse. A strong activist on Aboriginal issues and Executive Director for the Multicultural Association of Northwestern Ontario stated, “Poverty, homelessness, addictions, a lack of education, and unemployment make many Aboriginal youths moving to the city vulnerable.”


More recently, the students from reserves who attend Dennis Franklin Cromarty in Thunder Bay face an increased risk of suicide. There have been six deaths among school students since the school opened in 2000. Without proper welcoming among city citizens, students feel discriminated against, face homelessness, loneliness and poverty, making it difficult to concentrate on school. These young people have so many stories that we are going to hear in the years to come, much like we are now talking about residential schools. It is truly culture shock when youth leave a small fly-in community that is often less populated than the school they attend in the city, forcing many to constantly think about suicide which is a sign of struggles which needs to be addressed.

Cultural and spiritual teachings were found to be most helpful for suicide prevention options by the Suicide Prevention Coalition’s “Youth Voice” report which came out in April, 2010, after consultations in city high schools with secondary students. “Be proud of who you are” exclaimed an Aboriginal youth on a Thunder Bay Television news segment on the releasing of the report. More activities available for youth was also a recommendation found to be important. Another change that needs to take place is access to professional supports and resources, including online, print, and telephone.

Another suggestion among Dennis Franklin Cromarty students was to have a school resource centre and student residence where students can talk to a counsellor, supervisor or trained peer-helpers. The recent drowning of Reggie Bushie raised many concerns which led to broadcasts such as the one on The Agenda with Steve Paiken:

http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewpost&blog_id=323&post_id=12040

Soon after, another student named Kyle Morriseau raised concern among many adults in the community. Students also suggest that First Native community Bands could select peer responders from each community to watch over other students and report to the school liaison on what is happening with students at school. Potential problems can be reported before things get worse.

Seeking Bimaadiziiwin, a film of Thunderstone productions, is one account of what it is like to have depression in a Northern community. Visit www.firstnationinitiative.ca to learn more. These types of youth social empowerment through film are fundamental to the involvement of the community as a whole.

Another potential help would be the broadband internet access for the North which is discussed more and more in political circles. Youth out-reach workers, protection services, and respite were recommended in a youth consultation with the Child & Youth Advocate office at the Multicultural Youth Centre

The idea of meeting the youth where they are could mean sharing traditions, providing support, or contributing money. But, that does not solve the problem. We would benefit from dealing with the issue and realizing there is a lot more everyone could be doing.

Moffat Makuto presents that Aboriginal youth need the following things: “A warm reception to help them stay in school, and a caring attitude can give them hope for a better life. This can be the catalyst to deal with the pain of abuse and neglect, break the cycle of addictions, and avoid negative lifestyles to cope with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.”

I have learned youth are resilient and with support can reach their dreams. I believe youth are waiting for someone to reach out and nurture their growth. With my engagement in the Regional Multicultural Youth Council in Thunder Bay, I have found a niche where what happens is a direct result of our involvement and our involvement is an indicator of success. We are fruitful in our operations and there are always challenges and exceptions to complete direct impact into the community, but we stand up for what matters as a team. The group is always better than the individual and peer support centres are a great space to express ideas when you’re on your way to adulthood.

Children now come into our youth centre as an active member of programming, and we welcome the younger ones. An example program is the Girl Power group where we are concerned with interactive education about gender-specific issues. The centre is also a place where children can interact over the internet, learn skills and share experiences with this emerging and influential forum. Children also have rights at the centre. They have choices, exhibit influence and grow up with mentors and positive peer leaders. I want every child to have a happy childhood, regardless of the violence, discrimination, bullying, and other challenges they face to limit access to opportunities which other children have.

Freedom of expression is encouraged in our centre. I remember the first time I walked into the youth centre in Thunder Bay and how distant I felt at that time from the person I had meant to be. This type of atmosphere where everyone is accepted was something I had only dreamed of at age 15. Now, twelve years later, there is not a thing that I regret from being involved at the youth centre. I think it is because I can almost grasp this image of everything I had hoped to be from the beginning that I want to share this love of my community with the world.

In a world where there are so many young people who feel lost, I feel extremely lucky to have adult allies who defend our youth voice and are enthusiastic to advocate for our message. When I become an adult, I want to find a way to give back all the support which I have received. I want to thank everyone at the Regional Multicultural Youth Council who have made me who I am and developed my future goals.

Do we create the news? I wonder sometimes how many countries limit the expression of newscasters and reporters. The government and corporations may limit what we see and hear through the news, radio and print media. The American news covers a lot more about the world than the Canadian news. Sometimes I think we’re stuck in a bubble. Is this seclusion caused by the many dangers in reporting some of the world’s danger zones, where news is hard to come by? In truth, we are missing a piece of the puzzle and those who seek to risk their lives in order to raise awareness about the horrors of war and combat are truly making change.

I think that freedom of expression is important and the internet allows us to choose which stories we want to pass by our eyes, minds and heart. In a sense, this is freedom of consumption. We also have the opportunity to censure, not censor, the stories that are biased or discriminatory. Our voice matters as consumers and the majority of readers and listeners control the message. We can hold the media accountable to do their job of expressing both sides of the story and highlighting the matters that are of most concern to our communities. We may create the media by submitting news that we feel is important and writing letters to the editor to encourage dialogue around controversial issues. In this way, we may generate discussion on topics we would like to see dealt with and problems we would like changed. Everyone can be a reporter with new online technologies such as web 2.0.

It is encouraging that World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd) is in place to raise awareness about the injustices that prevent certain countries from expressing the truths that the public deserves. We need to work with the church and government in order to display proper coverage of real news. The power of big business to influence the messages we hear could be as dangerous as some of the military forces which prevent cameras in some countries. Educate yourself through watching the news, but think critically about it. Those who create the news are not always concerned about the public. If you sift through the messages, clearly you will find independent media sources. Try to follow at least three independent media sites so that you can challenge the mainstream message being emphasized. Imagine a world where everyone is a respected newsmaker, through stories, songs, artwork, and media. Start an independent newsletter about a topic of interest to you. Include articles from friends, family, and mentors. Shout it! Your message matters.

http://www.tbnewswatch.com/entertainment/89464/Speaking-out-
There was an event at the local sports dome in Thunder Bay to release a report on youth suicide. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has a Suicide Prevention Committee who have been meeting with the youth, particularly those in boarding homes who have travelled from Northern Aboriginal communities to attend high school in Thunder Bay. These Aboriginal youths have six times the average rate for suicide. In Pikanjikum, the rate of suicide is staggering. Four suicides took place in three months January-March of this year.

The suicide prevention task force is truly a force in this city. Their report outlines the findings of focus groups with students in seven local high schools. When the community youth are consulted, there is bound to be positive changes. It helps to have a group dedicated to this issue specifically in rural Northern Ontario because the rates are cause for concern. The youth were on the local news with a message that the youth voice is integral to solving the problem. 'Youth need to be listened to,' said Sheila Hansen, Public Health Nurse with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and she included that the peer-to-peer approach is the most effective.

There is still a long way to go to improve mental health services in Thunder Bay, but changes are rapidly taking place. The Suicide Prevention Task Force is made up of nearly all of the community and institutional mental health agencies and has been working to raise awareness and solicit input from youth.

http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20100418/ISSUE01/304189972
http://www.activeminds.org/

At high schools in Thunder Bay, the board officials along with teachers and staff have initiated a program called "Natural Helpers". The young people who become trained "Natural Helpers" are selected by their classmates and initiate referral, support, and peer responding for those who are being bullied, need extra assistance with stress, have mental health concerns, or simply need someone to talk to. The students who are trained gain skills in facilitation, leadership, and social services. Those who would like to become involved in the community, partner with outside organizations and further the work of mental health agencies and their counterparts.

The above link on bullying in schools is rather scary as it deals with youth suicide due to bullying. Because the media has covered so many stories about youth suicide, it is important to address the youth directly and encourage expression of feelings and coping mechanisms to get through the challenges facing students. Young adults in schools in the United States have "Active Minds" (the above link), which is an on-campus student-run club which has connections across campuses, even in Canada. Though many post-secondary campuses could use a similar structure, there is still a stigma about starting mental health clubs or being involved in mental health organizing within schools.


Since the young people are coming up with the increased awareness about the importance of mental health in their lives, I think we are going to see a surge of mental health organizations within Universities in the next generation of students. It is going to become a strong movement, and Mobilizing Minds: Pathways to Young Adult Mental Health is at the forefront of massive changes:

the growing number of young adults struggling with depression/anxiety
the increasing use of online technologies to express oneself and find coping mechanisms
the movement towards a National Mental Health Strategy

It could be a possible project to start up Active Minds chapters in Universities next school year. Active Minds has website resources for those wanted to start a club, as well as support and even a conference for young adults to share ideas, and gain support. Lakehead University doesn't have a club. It would seem like the logical think to do to link up with other Universities to achieve a common vision: mental health positive change in linked Universities.