Peter witnessed the tragedy of suicide and the impact it has on a small community first-hand in his own community. His first experience in dealing with suicide was when a basketball player from the community died by suicide just one week after Peter saw him running and playing basketball on the reserve. He was overtaken with sadness, seeing a person smiling and running in the reserve and then hearing about their suicide and their mothers cry just one week later was devastating for Peter as a young teenager.

There are over 4500 people that die by suicide in Canada each year, seeing these reports on the news and then seeing Chiefs’ call for a state of emergency as more and more teens in the reserves were ending their lives, Peter decided he wanted to help in prevention in some way. Suicide became even more personal for Peter when he learned that his cousin had died by suicide. Out of his overwhelming sadness, Peter started LML with the hope to raise awareness about suicide in young people, particularly Indigenous people and provide resources as a Medical Doctor.

Dr. Eppinga believes suicide can be 100% preventable. With the right tools for the mind and good leadership in the community suicide is 100% defeated. Knowing the risk factors and when to seek help are keys to prevention. Educating our youth from a very young age to have a healthy mind and life is also key.

Peter’s hope is that the children’s book “I Love My Life” will be used as a tool to equip young people with life skills, encouraging imaginations and confidence to defeat and stop suicide in its tracks.

There are many health issues that he holds close to his heart. Some of which include bringing first class medical care to First Nations. He hopes to put an end to racism within the healthcare system. He believes that all Canadians should have equal and timely access to medical care. Other areas he enjoys practicing in are brain and heart health, and social determinants of health.