Leaders in northern Saskatchewan say they are shocked by a recent series of suicides among young people and are looking for ways to stop the trend.

According to officials, there have been five deaths in two communities in the north in the past several weeks.

Two of the suicides have been in Île-à-la-Crosse. Mayor Duane Favel says in the past two weeks, a 21-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man have killed themselves.

Other young people in the community have tried the same, he said.

"We're absolutely shocked in terms of what's happening," he said. "And certainly very concerned about the trend of attempted suicides."

Similar concerns are being voiced in La Loche, where there have been several suicides. The problem is related to growing drug use, Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger said.

"Many young people are getting involved with drugs and, therefore, they become addicted to drugs," Belanger said. "Of course, that adds to their suicide."

Northern Saskatchewan needs a dedicated RCMP drug unit, Belanger said.

That's an idea the government has said it will consider. However, in Sandy Bay, a village that dealt with several suicides last year, community worker Paul Morin says tightening up enforcement is the wrong approach.

The underlying issues, such as poverty and lack of recreational opportunities, should be addressed instead, Morin said.

Banning drugs and alcohol in some communities has actually led to more deaths, as people go to great lengths to get access, he said.

"There's been drowning accidents. There's been people freezing to death in the winter," he said.

Île-à-la-Crosse, meanwhile, says isn't waiting for help from politicians. It held a community meeting this week to try to find solutions.