Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
A Grimshaw woman has been honoured with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal on March 24 at the Queen Elizabeth II Building in Edmonton.
Casey Szmata is an advocate for mental health advocacy, suicide awareness, and prevention throughout the Peace River region, including numerous Indigenous communities in the North Peace River area, working tirelessly to ensure there are resources in the Peace River area.
Her award was presented by the Hon. Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, and the Hon. Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction and Deputy House Leader.
“I feel very humbled to be recognized by my peers and government officials for my work,” says Szmata.
“I certainly don’t do what I do to be recognized. I would do it all day every day to save just one person’s life,” she adds.
Szmata’s mission was heightened after losing her daughter Morgan to suicide. She transformed her grief into a lifelong commitment to raising awareness and supporting suicide prevention efforts.
“The medal is given to anyone who makes a valuable difference in their community, province or country,” says Szmata. “The medal I received was from the Indigenous Affairs Minister Rick Wilson, for outstanding and continued efforts in Indigenous communities.”
Szmata says losing her daughter in 2012, just three days before Christmas, made her realize the need for extra resources in the community. Her daughter was just 19 years old when she took her life.
“After losing her, I lost myself as well, and ended up in the hospital on suicide watch,” she says.
“I’m here today because of the love of my family, friends and complete strangers. Once I was able to get through the traumatic grief enough to see more clearly, it was glaringly obvious that more resources were needed in the North Peace,” she adds.
Szmata says she dedicated her life to ensuring that no other family should have to go through the same nightmare.
“Losing a child in such a traumatic way changes you,” Szmata expresses. “You are never the same, and you carry the pain with you for the rest of your life.
“If I can prevent one suicide, save one life, then it ripples out. A family doesn’t have to live with this pain. Plain and simple. That’s how I live my life,” she adds.
Szmata says there are many courses and education opportunities that are offered now in Grimshaw to help people navigate troubled waters.
“We can teach you what to watch for, the correct language to use, and what resources would be a good fit,” she says.
“The economy is in a tough state, and the stress level of people is high. Speaking about our mental health and having hard conversations will save lives.”
Szmata says she works at Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention (RCSP) in Grimshaw and they are always welcoming donations to help fund programs offered to the community.
“We are 100 per cent non-profit, and I am the only employee at the RCSP North Peace Office,” Szmata notes.
“It’s difficult to find funding for all the programs that I know we require. Any help from the community is extremely valued and necessary.”
Szmata also received the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for her work in suicide awareness and prevention.