 |
|
|
|
|
Subscriber pages
 News Desk
Columnists
Editorial
Readers comment
Tenders
Demo pages Here's a sample of what only subscribers see Subscribe now Subscribe to both hardcopy or internet editions of NNSL publications |
.
Walking against suicide
Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The awareness walk was organized by mental health worker Ujaralaaq Eno. It was the latest in a number of events held across the Kivalliq to draw attention to a terrible problem that has reached almost epidemic proportions in the North. Eno said part of her job as a mental health worker is to provide resources to the community, and to help raise awareness on issues such as suicide, various illnesses and healthy living. She said she picked January for the event to show the community has the strength to come together in the middle of winter to walk against suicide. "The walk shows Rankin is a strong community, and we're willing to come together to try and stop this problem," said Eno. "We received a strong response from the community for the walk, including our mayor, various community leaders, elders, all three of our schools, the RCMP, hamlet staff, the health centre and a number of government departments." Once the walk was completed the community hall was made available for refreshments, and for people to share their experiences and sense of loss from suicide, if they so desired. Staff members from Health and Social Services were on hand to lend their support to the gathering. Eno said it's good to see Kivalliq communities holding anti-suicide events. She said the people of the Kivalliq live in small communities that feed off of each other when it comes to hosting positive events. "I was contacted by the Arviat suicide prevention committee, which wanted to send a team to Rankin to participate in our walk. "They were paying their way here and their accommodations, but it didn't work out due to weather and others from Arviat in our community had to carry their banner. "But that kind of commitment shows Kivalliq communities want to do whatever they can to make positive changes. "Suicide has affected so many of us, and it's time to come together and do what we can to defeat this ongoing tragedy."
|
