The problem of suicide needs to garner more media attention to stop the "out-of-sight and out-of-mind epidemic" that is decimating many aboriginal communities, particularly northern ones, Ontario's lieutenant-governor has warned.

Most Canadians know nothing of the despair experienced by young aboriginal people, Ontario's Lt.-Gov. James Bartleman said at the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention conference in Toronto on Wednesday.

"I was shocked by the out-of-sight and out-of-mind epidemic of suicides that is ravaging aboriginal communities, not all aboriginal communities, but too many, especially in Nunavut and in northern Ontario," Bartleman said.

He blames the country's ignorance on the media's reluctance to cover the issue.

Suicide should be talked about "because until we feel comfortable enough about dealing with these issues, the problems will just fester untreated," he said.

Don't sensationalize suicide, expert warns

However, Dr. Annette Beautrais of New Zealand, warned that the media must proceed cautiously to avoid sensationalizing stories.

"The media assisted in de-stigmatizing domestic violence, in de-stigmatizing childhood sexual abuse, but those issues didn't carry the risk of copycat or imitation suicidal behaviour amongst vulnerable individuals in the population," said Beautrais.

Clear international guidelines need to be established on how to deal with suicides in the media, she said.