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Warning: This story contains references to suicide. Find support links at the end of this file.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling for resignations after they say a teen died by suicide while in the care of a non-profit organization in Regina.
In a media release sent out by the group, FSIN says it was approached by a number of “recently terminated employees who had expressed concerns over systemic dysfunction that has led to harm and loss of life for high-risk youth” within the Regina Street Culture Project (SCP).
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Street Culture is a non-profit community-based organization that was established in 1998 and offers mentorship, housing and community outreach for young people.
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services also has contracts in place with the organization to provide a variety of different services to children and youth in their care totalling approximately $3.5 million.
One incident cited by the FSIN in the release was the death of Serenity Severight in 2023. Severight was aged 17 and in the care of the SCP when she died by suicide.
According to the FSIN, Severight had made the staff of the SCP aware of her suicidal thoughts days before and had requested assistance through counselling and a psychiatric unit.
At an event this week held at the First Nations University of Canada, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron spoke about the incident. He said that SCP has failed not just its workers but also the people in their program.
“Street Culture Project is the organization. There is an individual, a CEO named Jeff Dudar. They have four boards of directors currently that oversee the street culture project — all have failed,” he said.
“All have failed the concept and the work moving forward. All have hired individuals that have failed our First Nation people.”
Cameron called for not just the CEO but the entire board of directors of the Street Culture Project to step down and resign. If they do not, he said that the FSIN would pursue legal action against the organization.
David Severight holds a picture of 17-year-old daughter Serenity alongside family, chiefs, and former SCP employees. (Roman Hayter/980 CJME)
David Severight, Serenity Severight’s father, also spoke at the event. He said that the family was largely left in the dark when it came to his daughter’s time with the organization.
“They told my mother — the one time that she got in contact with somebody — that Serenity was in the safest place in the world, and they bring her back in a box,” he said.
“They gave us no answers. We didn’t know nothing. It still affects us to this day. They took my baby away, my mom’s baby. We just want answers. Serenity can’t have just died for nothing.”
The FSIN also cited other incidents brought up by former employees, including things like systemic dysfunction, unfair labour practices, OHS violations and discrimination.
Annie Ewenin was one of those former employees and worked as the organization’s Quality Care Truth and Reconciliation Director.
She said that not enough is being done to help youth within the program.
“It’s unfortunate that children in care have to come to this kind of situation or this kind of conclusion to their lives when they’re supposed to have wraparound support to help these youth,” Ewenin said.
“This youth (Severight) in particular didn’t get those wraparound supports. They didn’t get the support they needed. They didn’t get the love they needed and yet they were taken from their home and placed into the shelter,” said Ewenin.
Ewenin said that an inquest into Severight’s death must take place in order for the family to get the answers they need.
“We want to ensure that no more First Nation children commit suicide at the hands of western society again,” she said.
“We’ve lost so much, and we continue to lose because of other people’s hands and that’s not acceptable.”
SCP CEO Jeff Dudar said in a statement that the group is making efforts to try and create safer spaces for youth in Regina.
It said that almost 77 per cent of the youth currently living in SCP homes identify as Indigenous, and 21 per cent of their active staff being Indigenous.
Dudar listed ways in which SCP it has made attempts over the last year to create more cultural programming for youth in the program, citing events like community sweats, round dance and singing ceremonies, traditional bannock making, participation in programming at “Raven Healing Lodge,” cultural training sessions, and more.
Dudar’s statement said that SCP is open to a conversation with Cameron on how to improve.
“A loss of any life is tragic, especially a young person’s life that is receiving our service, and we make great efforts to provide a safe, caring, professional, and culturally inclusive environment for our youth and for our staff,” Dudar’s statement said.
“Any recommendations that have been made or will be made with respect to this incident will be considered and implemented,” it said.
There has been no indication any SCP board members are planning to step down.
- The Kids Help Phone is available 24-7 at 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868. Adults can access Saskatoon Mobile Crisis 24-7 at 306-933-6200. Mental health support is also available at 306-655-7777 in Saskatoon or at HealthLine 811.
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