Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, May 14, 2007

IQALUIT - Everyone in Nunavut knows someone who has committed suicide.

That sobering statement came from Lori Idlout, executive director of the Embrace Life Council during last week's Nunavut Association of Municipalities annual general meeting.

More than two dozen people took their own lives in Nunavut in 2006 alone.

The Embrace Life Council, a task force comprising many groups and agencies, was formed in 2003 to address the problem. Idlout urged the mayors to allow residents in their respective communities to use the phone and fax machines at hamlet offices to communicate with the Embrace Life Council. She said there have been some difficulties distributing information in the communities and the council's surveys haven't generated many responses.

With a budget of close to $500,000, the council funds community-based projects such as traditional programs on the land. Embrace Life staff also travel around the territory to discuss self-esteem, parenting skills, and substance abuse and they promote healthy living and social interaction, Idlout said. She also highlighted the council's "Youth speaking with youth" campaign, which reinforces positive messages and is meant to inspire hope.

"There has to be Inuit pride," Idlout said, alluding to some historical hardships and their impact on Inuit language and culture. "We've gone through a lot and we're still here today."

Gjoa Haven Mayor Uriash Puqiqnak said people should be encouraged to care for one another and prevent suicide.

"We're not going to give up. I look at Nunavut and I see nothing but pride for all of us," he said. "We will be wounded but we will not be defeated."