 | E-mail this story |  | Write letter to editor |  | Order a classified ad |
| E-mail this story | | Write letter to editor | | Order a classified ad |
Next month, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation will launch mental health programs, custom-designed for the needs of each community.
Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk are set to hire two psychologists, while Aklavik and Inuvik will be hiring program managers to oversee initiatives designed to help youth, men and families.
The programs were made possible through a grant of $1.8 million over the next three years from the Aboriginal Healing Program. The program is a national foundation focused on healing aboriginals with intergenerational residential school issues.
Patricia Davidson, the early childhood program training co-ordinator with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, said the residential school system remains a sensitive topic in the Western Arctic.
The system left its mark on both the students and their children. Abuse, depression, suicide and substance abuse are the ways some people deal with their experiences.
"Hopefully by the end of the three years, at the very least it should get people talking," said Davidson.
"If one person gets something out of this then we've done something," said Lucy Kuptana, executive director for the community development division of the IRC.
Tuktoyaktuk and Paulatuk will have similar programs.
Both communities decided to use their money to pay for a qualified psychologist to work in the community for three years.
Davidson said the communities have called their mental health situation a "crisis" and feel a professional will be able to provide the necessary counselling and support, as well as workshops on crisis management.
"Having two psychologists also gives more time to other communities (to spend with the regular psychologist who visits Inuvik)," Davidson said.
Men are the focus
Men will be the focus of Inuvik's program.
"We were hearing (from the community) that there are things for women, children and youth but where are the things for men," said Delores Harley, program co-ordinator for the Inuvialuit Community Corporation.
Kuptana said there are a lot of "capable" men in Inuvik who need some help getting "back on track."
So the ICC will start offering a coffee day for men, where counselling services will be available on an on-going basis.
Men and their families will also be invited to go out on the land where they can learn and awaken traditional skills.
"We hope these will strengthen the family unit and culture," said Kuptana.
Aklavik youth centred
Aklavik residents decided their money is best spent on the youth.
A manager will be hired so the youth centre can be open for extended weekend hours and a youth council can be started.
"It's going to be good for the youth because it can provide more opportunities for them," said Dean McLeod, the Aklavik recreation co-ordinator.
"(Community members say) respect between elders and youth is not as strong as it used to be," said Kuptana. A professional dedicated to the needs of the youth should help bridge the gap, she added.
