Statement on the Tumbler Ridge Attack

Dear AAPS members,

We are devastated to hear about the attack that happened in Tumbler Ridge yesterday. We want to express our deepest condolences to the students and staff of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, their families, and Tumbler Ridge community members who have been impacted by this tragedy.

In times of grief like this, we encourage you all to continue to treat each other with care and empathy. As colleagues in a place of work and a place of learning, we ask that you all care for your fellow UBC community members with patience and kindness as you and those around you process this horrific event.

If you are deeply impacted and it is affecting your mental health and your ability to work, we encourage you to please reach out to us for a confidential conversation by completing the Advocacy Request Form available on our website. We will discuss what options may be available to you.

You can also use the following resources and mental health support listed below.

Resources and Mental Health Support

·            Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1.866.424.0770 (free and confidential, 24/7)

·            Crisis Centre BC - Mental Health Support: Call 310-6789 (no area code required) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health

·            1-800-SUICIDE (24 hours): 1-800-784-2433

·            KUU-US Crisis Line Society: Toll Free (24 hours): 1-800-588-8717

·            Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS), 1-866-925-4419 (Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week)

·            Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box on their website.

·            Métis Crisis Line, 1-833-MÉTIS-BC

·            Crisis Line Association of BC

·            Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre

·            Crisis Services Canada - Talk Suicide

Your mental health and wellbeing is incredibly important, and we encourage you to reach out for support if you are struggling at all during this difficult time. 

Sincerely,

Lauren (Ilaanaay) Casey

President