Dakota. A given name derived from the name of the indigenous Native American Dakota people. “It means Friend or Ally and it couldn’t have been more fitting for my best friend of almost 13 years.” Brad says. Dakota took his own life in January of 2021.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults (15-34 years). In Alberta, on average we lose nearly 600 amazing humans every year.

Soon after Blue Monday, on January 25, join country-rock duo Flaysher along with special guests Mariya Stokes and Drew Gregory at the King Eddy in Calgary as we celebrate each other and stand together for suicide prevention.

All proceeds will be going to the Thumbs Up Foundation: Thumbs Up Foundation’s purpose is to improve access to mental health care. Our vision is to establish and connect resources for those patients suffering in all areas of mental health. We want to help improve knowledge around mental health; help to create awareness for the need for systemic change(s) to the current access to care, and educate on the devastating loss that can result from these deficiencies.