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NUNAVUT
Establishing mental health and addictions facilities, increasing the number of mental health workers and providing age and culturally-appropriate grief counselling are some of the ways Nunavut hopes to lower its suicide rate.

Facing a staggering suicide rate 11 times the national average, the Government of Nunavut has unveiled a new suicide prevention action plan. - NNSL file photo

The territory unveiled these and other initiatives in its Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan in Iqaluit on Sept. 12, with the hope of driving down suicide rates that are higher than the rest of Canada. Nunavut has a suicide rate 11 times the national average and has seen 23 suicides so far this year, and the strategy states the RCMP responded to 983 incidents where people attempted or threatened suicide in Nunavut in 2009.

"The rate of suicide in our territory is shocking and the issue touches the lives of all Nunavummiut," stated Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak in a press release. "We must continue talking about it openly and take immediate and appropriate action that will save lives in the future."

Aariak released the three-year plan was created in partnership with the territorial government, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Embrace Life Council and the RCMP.

Many of the objectives revolve around increasing communication about suicide, teaching people to recognize the signs before it happens, and developing ways to reach out to people at risk. The report hopes to destigmatize mental health issues and open up conversation on the topic.

"The current reality is unacceptable and we can make a difference," stated NTI vice-president Jack Anawak in a press release. "We must do more to provide healing and provide safer and more supportive environments for our children and youth and, above all, work together across the territory."

The plan calls for the review of the Mental Health Act as well as the Nunavut Addictions and Mental Health Framework to better reflect current needs and realities. It also calls for strengthened mental health and wellness services in Iqaluit, including providing enough psychologists and psychiatric nurses meet the needs of all Nunavut residents. Greater support, including training, to community-based counselling groups as well as training for youth in coping skills and anger management, for instance, is called for.

Tagak Curley, the territory's health and social services minister, said the action plan will provide a more focused and active response to suicide prevention but to make a difference, the dedication of individuals, families and communities is needed.

The plan follows the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy tabled at the legislature last October. It had committed to draft an implementation plan within 90 days, and it finally came some 11 months later.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association President Okalik Eegeesiak stated it is important to address the issue of suicide together as it affects everyone in the territory. The association is one of the founding member of the Embrace Life Council.

The GN also released its Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training schedule for 2011-12, with workshops scheduled for Iqaluit in September, October and November, before heading to Cambridge Bay, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay, Iqaluit, Cape Dorset, Coral Harbour and Clyde River until March.

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