Two-day workshop tackles sensitive issues
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Arviat (May 16/01) - It started out as a suicide prevention workshop, but it soon became much more than that.
More than 40 people attended a two-day Community Building/Suicide Prevention Workshop in Arviat recently.
Run by counsellor Mitch Bourbonniere of the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre, it attracted students, elders, educators, government representatives and community leaders.
Qitiqliq high school principal Fred Durant said the workshop was put together in consideration of suicide prevention strategies, but became much broader in terms of topic, including identity, cultural shock and people working together for the community to grow.
Durant said Arviat's Community Leaders Action Group has met three times since the workshop and, as a principal, he's hoping it will become an integral part of the community outreach program.
"In order to improve the quality of life in the hamlet, we have to improve the way people work together," said Durant.
"We must build on leadership already in place and make the community more cohesive in terms of responding to any difficulties individuals may be having."
Crystal Burgess was one of the driving forces behind the workshop, which was held at Arctic College.
In summing up the project, she said the good points of living in Arviat were discussed along with what needed to be changed.
"People agreed suicide is a problem in our community and we would like to help prevent it from happening," said Burgess.
"Mitch (Bourbonniere) was direct, but kind about the issues that were difficult to talk about."
Burgess said those who attended the workshop left feeling proactive.
She said there were representatives from all stages of life present who communicated freely about working together to strengthen their community.
"Our approach was very well accepted and the timing and place were good.
"Everyone appeared to have felt respected and important, and left feeling like they have the strength and ability to make changes within the community."
