Nunavut contest seeks ideas from youth on suicide, mental health, substance abuse

If you’re between the ages of six and 18, and you live in Nunavut, you can enter a contest that’s being sponsored by the Embrace Life Council and the RCMP “V” Division.

Their “Through My Eyes” contest is inviting youth to submit photos, drawings or essays on the topic of suicide, mental health or substance abuse.

The goal of the contest is to find out how the issues of suicide, mental health and substance abuse affect children and youth in Nunavut.

“Their understanding of these issues is very important as children and youth can be deeply affected and we believe that an open discussion is necessary to create awareness, educate the public and eliminate stigma,” a recent news release about the contest said.

If you’re between the ages of six and 14, you can enter the contest by submitting a drawing or a photo that represents suicide, mental health or substance abuse.

If you’re between 15 and 18 years old and want to enter, you’re asked to write a 500-word essay about the impact that suicide, mental health or substance abuse has had on you, your family, your community or Nunavut.

You’ll be eligible to win the contest’s grand prize of $450. Three regional winners will receive $200.

Other winners may also receive non-cash prizes.

If you want to enter, you can download the registration form on the Embrace Life Council website or pick up a registration form at the local RCMP detachment in your community or at the Embrace Life Council Office in Iqaluit.

Then you’ll have to fill out the registration form, attach it to your entry, and drop them both off at your local RCMP detachment or at the Embrace Life Council office in Iqaluit.

The entry deadline is Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.

For more information about the three topics, the contest organizers suggest looking at websites on suicide, mental health and substance abuse, such as the Kids Help Phone website and the Reach Out website.