Feeling the Structural: School-Based Educators' Perspectives on Indigenous Child Suicidality in Canada

Suicide is a critical public health issue disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities in Canada, especially children. Research on child suicide remains scarce, resulting in a limited understanding of its risk and protective factors. Identified risk dimensions include mental and behavioral health, relational issues, and significant adverse childhood experiences like abuse, and bullying. Studies on Indigenous youth and adults also emphasize the effects of colonization, public policy on child welfare, and systemic racism. The lack of research specifically addressing Indigenous child suicidality underscores the urgent need for tailored research. This article presents findings from a study engaging First Nations and Inuit educators, revealing factors linked to suicidal distress among Indigenous children. Through reflexive thematic analysis, three major themes emerged: the proximal emotional toll of distal risk factors, the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and the role of material deprivation in enhancing risk. Insights from educators are vital for developing targeted interventions to improve prevention efforts.