The authors examine Canadian Government suicide statistics for Treaty Indians & Inuits that reveal mortality rates from violent deaths are 3 times higher than that of the general population & deaths from suicide are more than twice that for Canada. Factors contributing to the high risk of violent death are discussed & findings from a 1981 needs survey conducted among urban Natives (Toronto) are examined in an attempt to determine areas where intervention would have greatest impact. (8 ref) (NBB)