Miss Indian World visits Arlee
<p>Arlee middle and high schoolers listen to Miss Indian World speak about education, suicide.</p>
For some Arlee middle and high school students, skipping third period class to listen to a speaker in the gymnasium might be considered a welcome change to the usual classroom activities. For others, the hour-long talk might have provided the answers that will save their lives.
Cheyenne Dae Brady of South Dakota, also know as Miss Indian World, spoke to students about embracing their lives, their culture and their future.
Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Social Services Department’s Circle of Trust, the talk was aimed at connecting with students to offer encouragement and support on subjects that included suicide, continuing education, health and embracing the Indian culture.
“You have to care about who you are,” Brady said. “Get educated, be involved. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be discouraged. Have dreams and goals.”
Brady asked students to share their dreams for the future. Students perked up, displaying proud hands and wide smiles when responding. One student aspires to be a writer, another dreams of becoming an architect, and yet another wants to become a military professional. When Brady was done with her talk, Lena Tewawine of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Social Services Department’s Circle of Trust, and other volunteers distributed “Choosing to Live: Preventing Suicide,” an information pamphlet that outlines what to watch out for and what to do if you or another person is considering the life-ending choice.
Pamphlet advice included education about what to do if someone close by is considering suicide.
“You can save a life,” the pamphlet advises. Educators suggest that if you know someone who is considering suicide not to act shocked. The better way to respond is to offer support by telling the distraught person that you are there to listen and not judge. Ask straight questions about the distraught person’s plans and do not keep it secret. Instead, get emergency help right away and do not leave that suicidal person alone.
For more questions about suicide or how to handle it call 1-800-273-TALK.