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REPULSE BAY
A large gathering of dancers, elders and youth from across the Kivalliq and other Nunavut communities took part in an anti-suicide program in Repulse Bay this past month.

Noel Kaludjak of the Coral Harbour Men Rising Up group, back right, helps the Arviat Sila Rainbow team present T-shirts to young dancers Melinda Kaviok and Laura Tassiuk, front row from left, during the Qaqiq gathering in Repulse Bay this past month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Event organizer Annie Angotingoar said the Qaqiq (people gathering in an iglu) event was a tremendous success.

She said it was a lot of hard work, from submitting funding proposals to taking care of the scheduling and travel arrangements, but it was worth every minute.

"I received help from my supervisor, George Dunkerley of the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre, and Valerie Stubbs (community justice specialist) in Rankin Inlet," said Angotingoar.

"We had the members of the Coral Harbour men's healing group come through Pulaarvik.

"The healers came a little early before the visitors arrived.

"They were a lot of help and they were well-received by the community."

Angotingoar said the gathering attracted participants from every Kivalliq community as well as Iglulik, Kugaaruk and Hall Beach.

She said one elder from each Kivalliq community was brought in and paid an honorarium for their services during the five-day gathering.

"Everything went well during the event.

"We had meetings each day and a square dance every night.

"I was very happy with the number of youths who were involved in everything.

"Many students, both junior and senior, came to the meetings every day and the square dance at night."

The Repulse gathering was held in response to the rash of suicides to have struck the Kivalliq during the past few months.

Angotingoar said the gathering really seemed to brighten people's spirits.

She said almost everyone in the Kivalliq has been affected by suicide, and more has to be done to convince youths suicide is not the answer so the cycle can be stopped once and for all.

"I lost a son, a brother and a son-in-law to suicide, and I don't want that to happen ever again to my family or anyone else's family.

"I'd like to see a Qaqiq be held every year in each Kivalliq community so everybody can understand suicide is not the answer.

"We just can't give up."

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