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Hundreds of people came out to show their support and participate in a suicide prevention walk in Arviat this past month. - photo courtesy of Joseph Kaviok

ARVIAT - The streets of Arviat were filled with hundreds of people this past month as marchers of all ages came out to raise awareness on suicide prevention.

Hamlet community wellness worker Eva Arnalukjuak found out about the suicide prevention walk when she received a fax from Iqaluit informing her that a similar event was planned for every Nunavut community.

It was the first time Arnalukjuak had organized such a major event, so she immediately starting announcing the walk on the local radio station.

She also planned a gathering at the Mark Kalluak Community Hall for people to get together afterwards, enjoy each other's company and maybe win a small prize at the same time.

As the day of the walk drew near, Arnalukjuak said she was a little nervous because she didn't have a lot of time to organize the event.

She said she was worried about how many people would come out to participate, but, in the end, she needn't have worried at all.

"There were somewhere between 200 to 300 people at the walk and they were a nice mix of elders, adults, teenagers and even young kids," said Arnalukjuak.

"I was happy to see so many kids from the schools come out.

"We left the community hall and walked around the whole town before returning to the hall.

"Afterwards, I had snacks available for everyone, as well as lots of activities and prizes for kids and adults."

Arnalukjuak said for her first attempt at organizing the walk, she was pleased by the way things turned out.

She said these types of activities are good for the community and she wouldn't mind being involved again next year.

"I will be better prepared if I get a chance to do it again next year.

"I'll know how to do everything, and I'll try hard to have more games and prizes after the walk for everyone who takes part.

"It's a small step, but we have to keep raising awareness about suicide and working as a community to prevent it."