Cyclists making their way to Beauval on Aug. 12 to create awareness about the ongoing suicide crisis. (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

Cycle to Beauval

Cyclists pedal from Flying Dust to Beauval to create ongoing suicide crisis awareness

Aug 12, 2020 | 1:01 PM

Dozens of cyclists gathered this morning in rain at the Flying Dust band office to make their way from Meadow Lake to Beauval. The event has been happening in the community for 10 years in an effort to create awareness about the suicide crisis affecting local First Nations.

The event began at Flying Dust First Nation with a group breakfast before heading out on an all-day cycle. Organizer, Veronica Apesis reiterates the importance of pushing forward in any weather condition.

“During this bike-a-thon we pray and pedal, [similar] to how we get through life,” she said. “[Life is] like that –you peddle, meditate and look ahead while you move to reach your goals, dreams and destination.”

Roderick and Veronica Apesis lost their son nearly 10 years ago which was the catalyst in creating the annual awareness event. Veronica’s husband Rod encouraged youth and adults to talk to someone they trust. He would like to see more activities in place for youth and more funding allocated toward psychotherapy and mental health supports.

“It’s important for our young people [to know], they can talk to Elders and their Chief and council, [especially those] struggling with drugs or alcohol,” Roderick said. “I’m doing this for young people and I’m not going to stop.”

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

Raising concerns

Battlefords and Meadow Lake MPs weigh in on new federal budget

Apr 17, 2024

Tragic events

Sask. Gov't confirms investigation after former Pine Grove inmate passes away in hospital

Apr 16, 2024

Veronica does not want to see other families go through the unbearable pain of losing a child and is encouraging youth and adults not to feel shame in speaking to someone. She says a parent will always ask why after losing a child while never getting the answers they’re seeking. She would like to see more youth show an interest in local politics and get involved in council.

John Montgrand, 62, was among the cyclists. He says First Nations have lost too many youth to suicide and calls the crisis a pandemic. He said kids have been out of school since April and there is not many activities for youth to participate in.

“Young people are dying at an alarming rate,” he said. “Today, I’m asking myself that question – why?”

He says young people and adults living all over Saskatchewan are losing their lives in preventable ways and says flaws in current telephone crisis lines present problems for people who require a human connection or have trouble trusting the person on the other end of the line.

Among the cyclists were people from all over the Meadow and Loon Lake areas including Chief and council from Flying Dust First Nation and local RCMP support.

The cyclists are expected to arrive in Beauval at approximately 6:30 p.m. this evening.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722