Photo: Quebec minister visits Nunavik in time of need

Geoff Kelley, centre, Quebec’s minister of Aboriginal Affairs, poses with youth representatives Olivia Ikey Duncan, left and Louisa Yeates, right, on a recent visit to Kuujjuaq. Kelley stopped in to Kuujjuaq May 3 to offer his government’s support to Nunavik organization as they respond to the high number of suicides seen in the region since the beginning of 2016. “The local and regional authorities have clearly expressed to me their desire to take charge of the situation, in a way that respects their customs and traditions, and I intend to honour their wish,” Kelley said in a release. “I am here to meet with the front-line workers and the community leadership to reiterate that they have the support of the Government of Quebec during these challenging times.” During his visit, Kelley met with staff at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services which has hired new social workers, psychologists and bereavement counsellors in recent months. (PHOTO COURTESY OF GOV. OF QUEBEC)