April 13 mental health retreat will gather experts, Nunavik leaders in Montreal

Nunavik leaders and health experts from McGill University will hold a mental health gathering April 13 in Montreal, which organizers hope will become an annual discussion on Nunavik health issues.

The day-long Quebec Inuit mental health retreat runs at McGill University, where it will be webcast to health centres across Nunavik.

The event will feature discussions on health care delivery in Nunavik, with a focus on its rates of suicide and depression, which remain the highest in Quebec.

Retreat organizers say the discussion is timely. That’s because psychiatric patients from Nunavik now treated in Montreal are to be transferred from the Université de Montreal hospital to the McGill University health centre.

Nunavimmiut also face new developments under the Quebec government’s Plan Nord, which event organizers say could place more strains on their health.

Conference speakers include its chairperson Senator Charlie Watt, Minnie Grey, chair of the Nunavik Regional Partnership Committee, and Geri Bailey, who oversees health and policy programs at Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.

The conference will also hear from long-time Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. producer Elashuk Payungie, Kuujjuaq youth employment officer Olivia Ikey and social worker Lolly Annahatak.

Nunavimmiut who want to watch the retreat through live webcast can go their local hospital or health clinic.

For more information go to the event’s website.