Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Kugluktuk (Mar 27/00) - In the wake of two recent suicides, the community of Kugluktuk is continuing with their previously planned suicide workshop.

The Kitikmeot Suicide Prevention Workshop is scheduled to take place this week and Mayor Joanne Taptuna says they are expecting a good turnout from the public.

"Through the workshop we can learn how to do our own things on a daily basis without having to bring in facilitators or waiting for funding," said Taptuna. "And judging from last week's turnout, I imagine we'll have a good response this week. It's open to everyone."

Taptuna is referring to the public meeting called two weeks ago following two suicides and several attempts.

For more than four hours, residents voiced their concerns and issues on what they thought would help prevent suicides in the future.

"The issues that came out over and over were having elders in the schools to act as counsellors and running winter camps similar to summer camps with the elders," said Taptuna. "We'll discuss these ideas and others at our March 27 council meeting, but I think they are possibilities, it's just a matter of contacting the right departments."

Community feasts, square dances, drum dancing and hosting the meeting are keeping many people in the community busy and Taptuna says every little bit helps.

"We have to keep activities going, and meetings for those who want to talk. We have the suicide prevention workshop, the NTI meeting, an elders curling bonspiel and a minor hockey tournament all happening before the end of the month."