A high rate of suicide attempts & suicide ideation characterized a sample of 229 Grade 7-9 adolescents resident on 7 reserves in central Alberta. Somewhat elevated levels of family disruption & psychological problems were found, & ideation was significantly elevated for adolescents with low psychological well-being, no father in the home & a prior suicide in the household. Targeted, community-based counselling & educational programs are needed to address these problems. (22 refs.)