Jordin Tootoo joins the conversation on Let's Visit tonight

In a matter of weeks, Melissa Robinson and Matt King have seen their vision of hosting conversations with youth who may be struggling with mental health come to fruition.

And, due to the reception of Let's Visit — the Temiscaming, Que., couple's series of important discussions geared toward youth, especially Indigenous youth — their success has seen the original project consisting of four weekly Wednesday sessions extended into fall, with the funding to make it happen. 

See original story: From great loss comes hope for couple offering youth 'meaningful conversations' 

Robinson says she and Matt are thrilled by the progress they've made in reaching out to youth in need and the extra funding has them planning more sessions. The Let's Visit series is funded by a Canadian Roots Exchange grant and is presented by Robinson and King's foundation Biidaaban, an Anishinaabe term, meaning "the point at which the light touches the earth at the break of dawn." 

"We will begin to release more details in the coming weeks of what to expect from Let’s Visit," she says. 

The first of the two Wednesday sessions featured Attawapiskat's Adrian Sutherland, the singer and founder of band Midnight Shine and an ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Fund. For the second Wednesday virtual session, Elder Noella Robinson joined the group and shared her reflections on residential school.

Robinson says participants "found it to be very powerful and insightful. We received really good feedback afterwards and we will definitely feature more Elders in the future. And, Marissa, who is a masters student and artist," also joined. "She shared her journey on finding her identity as a Métis woman. Her story was inspiring, and listeners sent in some very positive comments on that also." 

Tonight, in the third of four originally scheduled virtual conversations, retired NHL player and mental health advocate Jordin Tootoo is the special guest and for King, it will be his first chance to speak to one of his boyhood heroes and role models in Tootoo. Now retired, Tootoo is known for his advocacy regarding Indigenous mental health and addictions, as well as support for suicide awareness and prevention. He is the first Inuk player as well as the first to grow up in Nunavut to play in an NHL game.

King and Tootoo share similar life experiences, including the pain of the suicides of close relations, substance abuse, and hockey. Robinson shares a story about how King related his own story with Tootoo's, especially after the loss of Jordin’s brother Terrence — the essence of Let's Visit.

"When Jordin released the book "All The Way," we went to Coles immediately and bought it and Matt read it before passing it on to me. At the time I knew absolutely nothing about his story but Matt asked me to read it, and a few chapters in I began to understand why," says Robinson.

"Jordin’s life has been filled with many challenges that Matt could relate too. Sometimes it’s difficult for him to find words to express himself because for years he held his own pain in, and only recently started to begin speaking out it and sharing," she adds. 

In this way, the Let's Visit project has had a therapeutic effect on the hosts, as well. Tonight, the plan is for Jordin to deliver a 35-minute keynote address, followed by 25 minutes of Q and A, led by Matt. 

The discussions are geared to Indigenous people ages 14 to 30 but Robinson says all are welcome. For more information on Let's Visit or if you are interested in joining the conversation, you can email or contact through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

"Matt's always felt like Jordin’s story spoke to him because of the loss he experienced, how he dealt with that loss — through alcoholism and similar choices to the ones Matt made, Robinson observes. "Over the last couple of years, he has turned those poor decisions and pain into creating something to help Indigenous youth and to help people who can relate to the loss he experienced."

She says when the couple wrote to Tootoo, King shared part of his story and he responded, saying he would be "honoured to speak to our community."

Of Tootoo, King says, "He is a hero and someone I look up to. It makes me feel good to know that I am not alone in what I’ve been through and I’m grateful he said yes and gave us the chance to work with him."

Robinson says King's life experiences are shaping the good work they are doing now — in a positive way.

"I’m so proud of Matt for everything he has overcome the last two years and for all of the work he has dedicated to supporting Indigenous youth," she shares. "He’s taken what was an extremely painful loss and learned from it, he’s made the important decision to move forward with goodness in his heart and to dedicate himself to helping others which is a really beautiful thing."

Robinson says tonight will be the first time her partner speaks publicly "on the loss he’s felt as he introduces Jordin. He has never done this before, and when we connected with Jordin he decided that this was the perfect time for him to begin to share his story and feelings openly."