Suicide in Nunavut: Break the Silence and Talk About It – New commercials to air in Nunavut

Released | April 24, 2012

The Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council believes that Nunavummiut need to talk about suicide openly. We need to talk to each other about the problems we are facing and know that it is ok to ask for help. All too often we feel alone as we struggle with life, however once we begin to talk about what we are going through, there is a sense of relief and the burden becomes lighter as we are able to share with those around us and accept their help.

As part of our campaign to break the silence and talk about suicide in Nunavut, two commercials have been produced which will begin airing Monday, April 30, 2012 on APTN and throughout the month of May on Asukuluk TV at the Astro Theatre in Iqaluit and the health centres in the following communities: Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Rankin Inlet. This campaign is part of our ongoing work to implement the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan.The Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council has been updating its website and it will be re-launched May 1, 2012 http://www.inuusiq.com). In addition to the commercials that are airing, posters and pamphlets talking about suicide and the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan, all of which have been funded by the Government of Nunavut, will be released and sent to communities at the end of May.

Over the next year we will be reaching out to communities, providing information and resources, holding events and, we will continue to listen to Nunavummiut.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview please contact Jenny Tierney, Executive Director, at 867-975-3233 ext. 226 or e-mail Jenny at jennytierney@inuusiq.com.