Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Declare Suicide as a Continuing Crisis in Nunavut
Press Release
June 25, 2025
Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 25, 2025) – Today, the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) declared that suicide remains a crisis in Nunavut, marking 10 years since the initial declaration made in 2015. This renewed recognition underscores the urgent need for continued coordinated action to address the devastating impact of suicide across the territory.
Following extensive consultations with partners and communities, the Department of Health, NTI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council (IIKELC) will move forward with a strengthened focus on prevention through the implementation of Inuusivut Anninaqtuq, Nunavut’s 4th Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
Launched in 2024, Inuusivut Anninaqtuq represents a unified and culturally grounded effort by the GN, NTI, Inuit organizations, the RCMP, IIKELC and local communities. Together, these partners are delivering community-driven supports and resources that reflect Inuit societal values and lived experiences.
“It is a sad reality that everyone in Nunavut has been touched by suicide. We continue to lose loved ones to suicide, and the pain felt from this crisis has stayed with us,” said Minister of Health John Main. “This crisis demands action rooted in community, culture, and compassion. Through our shared action plan, Inuusivut Anninaqtuq, we will continue to push for Inuit-led, community-driven solutions that reflect the strength and resilience of Nunavummiut.”
“We have heard from youth and Inuit of all ages that we must work together to address root causes of suicide by investing in the social determinants of Inuit health,” said NTI President Jeremy Tunraluk. “We must harness the collective wisdom of our communities and act with urgency, care and unity. Inuit knowledge and leadership are central to healing, and NTI remains committed to working with all partners to promote life and Inuit wellness.”
“Suicide is a tragedy that affects families, friends, and entire communities, it is more than just statistics,” said IIKELC Executive Director Cecile Guerin. “This action plan recognizes a shared promise, to protect life, to build hope and to walk alongside one another through difficult times. What makes this action plan so special is that it isn’t just something created for youth – it was shaped by youth.”
The Inuusivut Anninaqtuq Action Plan adopts a whole-of-Nunavut approach, one that prioritizes accountability, responsiveness to emerging needs, and alignment with Inuit societal values. At its core, the plan supports and empowers communities to lead the way in creating sustainable mental health resources and suicide prevention initiatives.
Among these initiatives are the following:
- Increasing mental wellness resources in schools in partnership with the Department of Education.
- Nunavut Child Abuse and Neglect Response Agreement in partnership with the Department of Family Services.
- Increase youth representation at leadership tables in partnership with the Department of Culture and Heritage.
- Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3000 housing initiative in partnership with Nunavut Housing Corporation.
- Further developing Inuit counsellors and the paraprofessional roles.
The Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) partners and stakeholders remain united in their resolve to confront the suicide crisis with compassion, determination, and collaboration. Through the Inuusivut Anninaqtuq Action Plan and its supporting initiatives, they are investing in the strength of Nunavummiut empowering communities, honouring Inuit knowledge, and building a future where every person feels valued, supported and hopeful. A gathering of the action plan’s signatories is planned for early July to review progress and identify opportunities for faster progress on shared priorities.
Contact
Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca
Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
media@tunngavik.com
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