Atausiuqatigiingniq Inuusirmi Stakeholder Summit for Suicide Prevention fosters resiliency in Nunavut
News Release
Atausiuqatigiingniq Inuusirmi Stakeholder Summit for Suicide Prevention fosters resiliency in Nunavut
IQALUIT, Nunavut (May 6, 2016) – A three-day event, Atausiuqatigiingniq Inuusirmi (United for Life) Stakeholder Summit for Suicide Prevention, organized by the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) partners brought together more than 100 stakeholders including Elders, community members, survivors, wellness workers and treatment organizations, to share best practices for strengthening wellness and resiliency, and to guide the development of the long-term action plan for suicide prevention
“Good work is taking place across the territory,” said Minister of Health Monica Ell-Kanayuk. “Our government’s mental health budget has increased from $6.3 million to $24 million since the introduction of the strategy in 2010. These past three days, we have heard about individual and community initiatives that are the foundation for lasting results in mental wellness, resiliency and suicide prevention. It was inspiring. The action plan will be developed from this place of strength.”
“What we learned at the summit will guide us in the development of the next Nunavut Suicide Prevention Action Plan. We must unify our efforts to spread a message of hope and resilience to Inuit in our communities,” said Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Vice-President James Eetoolook.
“The RCMP is impressed with the work being done in our communities and look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders as we move forward in the creation of the long-term action plan,” said RCMP C/Supt. Michael Jeffrey.
“We brought together an amazing group of people and learned of all the good work being done across Nunavut. We look forward to working with our partners, stakeholders, youth committees non-government and faith organizations in the development of our long-term action plan,” said David Lawson, Embrace Life President
The summit came about because of a jury recommendation from the coroner’s inquest into suicide in September 2015, which called for an increased engagement of stakeholders.
The summit has provided the basis from which partners can develop further engagement, initiatives, as well as understanding of intergenerational experiences that support and empower community-based suicide prevention projects.
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Media Contacts:
Ron Wassink
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5710
@email
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
867-975-4914, toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
@email
www.tunngavik.com
David Lawson, Cpl.
RCMP "V" Division Media Relations
Iqaluit, Nunavut
867-222-3977
@email
Kimberly Masson
Executive Director
Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council
867-975-3233
@email
www.inuusiq.com