A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FROM MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

To everyone who came to the MCA Mental Health and Wellness Hub and Community Fire this week, niawenhkó:wa. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

From Akwesasne to Cornwall, you opened your hearts and showed up for one another in a time of profound grief. You brought firewood to keep the fire burning and food and refreshments to nourish those gathered. Most importantly, you brought your presence. You sat together through the long hours of the day and into the night, offering comfort, listening ears, quiet support, and a reminder that no one has to carry this burden alone.

Around the fire, one truth surfaced again and again: we all did our best, and still, we could not prevent this loss. That is a difficult reality to bear and an even more difficult one to accept. Yet there is healing in coming together, speaking those words aloud, and grieving as a community rather than in isolation. In these moments, we find strength in each other.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Chiefs and Directors of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne who stood with us throughout the day and night, officers from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services, Mayor Towndale and the City of Cornwall leadership team for their support, the staff from Cornwall Community Hospital's Community Addiction and Mental Health Services, and our colleagues at the Canadian Mental Health Association. Your presence was a powerful reminder that our community is surrounded by care, compassion, and support.

To everyone who sat by the fire, shared a story, offered a hug, shed a tear, or simply held space for someone else, thank you. Your kindness and solidarity made a difference.

As we continue to navigate this loss together, may we keep leaning on one another, lifting each other up, and finding comfort in the strength of our community. We are not alone, and together, we will continue the journey toward healing.