MaryAnn Wilhelm is one the Commissioners of the NDP Aboriginal Commission, she touched on suicide at the NDP Convention this week.

She too carries the scars of attempted suicide. She learned later in her adult years that she wasn't alone in these thoughts.

Her mother told her that she contemplated suicide and if it wasn't for a friend, she might have stepped off the bridge that separated their First Nations community from the town of Massey Ontario.

Her brother, Jr Leonard had a gun and shot himself in the stomach.

Her neice ended her life at a bridge.

Her nephew who was special needs, who was still just a child – ended his life with a bullet in his head.

Today, MaryAnn Wilhelm carries these the memories across forearms and across her sleeve.

This is her message:

“ We are the people, the original landholders of this land. We negotiated in good faith and yet while diamonds and other natural resources are being consumed off the lands – our people continue to struggle. We are a nation in pain. We are a nation calling out for recognition of our plight and we want to see the end of oppressive policies and we want to take our proper places at the table. We want the same things that Canadians want, hope, prosperity, love and security.

The suicides and it's attempts of suicides across this country is a symptom of systemic failure. Every gunshot! Every slice! Every noose! Every jump! Every blood that is shed – it's calling us to act and it's calling us to act now.

When a child who is special needs decides to put a bullet in his head to end his life, this child is saying,“Why - why can't I get the help that others receive? Why can't I get a hand up? Why won't you let me contribute? Why can't I be a part of life?”

I refuse to believe that we can't do anything about this. I refuse to a part of silence. I ask all of us to risein a non partisan manner and acknowledge these people who are calling out for justice and equity.

I ask all to rise up and let people know that we acknowledge the despair and acknowledge every child, woman and man in Canada has a right to experience the humanity of love, to feel there is hope, to feel that there is a future fight for.

It's long past due – it's time to fix the roads, build the bridges and mend our broken spirits.”

My relations, our youth, know this, the NDP hear you loud and clear. I lived it too, I understand - you are not alone.” It's time now to take further action but away from self harm. I am a survivor and lived though it, you can too, but you can't do it alone. There is a way out.”

MaryAnn Wilhelm, Outreach Director NDP Aboriginal Commission