Lake Harbour (Feb 20/06) - Taboos are being broken in Kimmirut and people are celebrating.

Qaqqalik school held a celebration last week to mark the fact there has not been a student suicide in five years and there hasn't been a suicide in the community in four.

Pudloo Judea, left, and Ooloosie Simionie of Kimmirut throatsing during a celebration of five years without a suicide at Qaqqalik school, and four without one in the community. - photo courtesy of Philip Flynn

Suicide is one of the toughest topics a community can face. By discussing the subject in the open, the organizers hope that suicides can be prevented.

"I think it is an awesome celebration and more communities should do something like this," said Laurie Idlout, the executive director of the Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council.

Philip Flynn, a teacher at Qaqqalik school, wanted to address suicide, but also make it a life-affirming day for the students.

"I think about what happened five years ago, after we had two suicides in the school. Everyone was so deeply affected. We asked ourselves 'What can we do?'" said Flynn.

On a visit home to Newfoundland a few years ago, Flynn found a program that he thought would be a good fit in Kimmirut: yellow ribbon day.

Since then, the school has observed that day to help students understand how suicide can devastate the people left behind.

Every student also receives a card with phone numbers they can always call for help: the RCMP, social services and the local health centre.

This year, as part of yellow ribbon day, they wanted to celebrate the suicide-free streak. About 260 people showed up at the school for the celebration.

"We wanted to focus on the positive as well," said Flynn.

The day started with a pancake breakfast at the school, and followed with guest speakers.

Elder Peepeelee Arlooktoo, Josie Tikivik and Atchaina Josephie spoke to the crowd about how a suicide has hurt them. All three have lost a close friend or family member to suicide.

That message got through to the students. "It was good, there were a lot of emotions. The more people talk, the more it helps," said 16-year-old Mark Itulu.

Itulu plans on attending college after graduation.

"Everybody was quiet and crying. It was very emotional and it made you think of the parents. It took a part of their life," said 17-year-old Kelly Karpik, who hopes to join Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa after graduation.

After the presentations, Flynn thought there was a need to lift the students' spirits, so entertainment was provided.

"I knew it was going to be emotional, so we had to pull them back out," said Flynn.

The Anglican church choir, the youth choir, throatsingers, drum dancing and Sandy Akavak all performed.

"Inmates from BCC were here for a trip on the land, and they played music for us, too," said Flynn.

Canadian average for suicides per 100,000 people: 11.3 in 2001 (information obtained from Canadian Institute for Health Information)

In Nunavut, with 24 suicides in a population of 30,000 in 2005, that would translate to 80 suicides per 100,000 people, about seven times the national average.

Number of suicides

Suicides by community (since April 1, 1999): Iqaluit - 34  Kugluktuk - 11  Rankin Inlet - 9  Baker Lake - 9  Pond Inlet - 13  Iglulik - 12  Hall Beach - 7  Repulse Bay - 3  Clyde River - 10  Taloyoak - 4  Gjoa Haven - 4  Kugaaruk - 2  Arctic Bay - 7  Coral Harbour - 6  Arviat - 8  Chesterfield Inlet - 2  Cambridge Bay - 4  Pangnirtung - 16  Sanikiluaq - 1  Cape Dorset - 12  Kimmirut - 4  Qikiqtarjuaq - 11  Resolute - 2 

Total number of suicides in Nunavut since April 1, 1999: 191

- Source: Office of the Chief Coroner for Nunavut