After declaring a suicide crisis in June, Nunavummiut leaders are now looking for ways to face a persistent situation.
According to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the suicide rate is 5 to 25 times higher in Inuit communities than in the rest of Canada.
Even if it was initially skeptical about community activities funded for mental health-such as music lessons and fishing competitions-Victoria Madsen, assistant health artist, finally noted that their effect was positive.
Today, she believes that the territory could be inspired by current services and consider solutions that go beyond therapy.
They are practiced all year round and they can’t wait to participate … it’s part of the identity of the communityshe says.
Expressed
In 1998, Guillaume Ittukssarjuat Saladin, as well as the entire community of Igloolik, was deeply shocked by the suicide of two adolescents.
He then sought to develop means to allow young people to express themselves in a creative way. The man called on his experience at the National Circus School to create the Artcirq artistic collective.
Mastering these disciplines means having the opportunity to express themselves and inspire othershe says.
We are a place where we dream together, and we can rely both, says of Guillaume Ittukssarjuat Saladin, founder of Artcirq.
Mr. Saladin observed that the gathering places are key elements of suicide prevention.
Rely on its culture
Even if he is not in Nunavut, Willia Ningeok sees similarities between this territory and her region of Nunavik to fight suicide, he who has lost ten loved ones, including his older brother.
The president of the Association of Inuit Inuit Unaq, in Inukjuak, tries to divert as many people as possible from this end. The group organizes activities such as the manufacture of traditional tools and shipments on the territory.
Sled dogs require a lot of work. They take care of you, while being good for the mind and the bodyhe said.
Help by phone
Jasmine Redfern, president of the Association of Inuit Women of Nunavut Amautiit, is happy that suicide is more discussed today than in the past.
According to her, a toxic family environment considerably increases the risk of suicide and creates a feeling of helplessness.
By approaching the question of violence, Ms. Redfern highlights the importance of intergenerational trauma, while specifying that this factor should never serve as an excuse to make others suffer.
It is important to identify inadequate adaptation strategies, without blaming anyone … and to encourage people to make better choicesshe underlines.
A first step could be the Kamatsiaqtut listening line.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Sheila Levy taught Pangnirtung and lost several of her students by suicide. In 1990, she contributed to the creation of the listening line.
Even after all these years, awareness efforts are still necessary, she believes.
She also recalls that those who are at risk of committing suicide do not necessarily show clear signs. For this reason, you must be listening attentive and without prejudice.
It is very important to leave someone … Talking about your emotions, even if they may seem moved.
The role of the police
The Royal Canada Gendarmerie (RCMP) is often the first to intervene in the event of a psychological distress call. George Henrie, head of community police services in Nunavut and member of the GRCexplains that the agents are undergoing additional training to manage these situations.
Since 2022, the GRC receives more than 3000 calls per year concerning mental health.
In some regions of Canada, police services are not the first option to manage mental health attacks. In Nunavik, the SAQIJUQ mobile unit works in collaboration with social workers.
Victoria Madsen says that the government of Nunavut and the GRC had already considered another mode of intervention in the event of a crisis.
For the moment, the police can request help from the specialized nursing staff if they know the person in distress. There GRC Also seek to hire more agents who speak Inuktitut.
The Deputy Health Deputy Minister stresses that a pilot project has been launched in certain communities to provide monitoring to people with suicidal ideas. This project completes awareness campaigns and other programs for young people.
Finally, Ms. Madsen stresses that there is a collective responsibility to watch over both.
Communities must be able to understand their needs, which brings them together and what gives meaning to the life of young people.
With information from Samuel Wat
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