Rankin Inlet songwriter shares message of hope for 2016

Corey Panika, 26, wrote and shared a song about choosing life and wellness. (PHOTO BY NOEL KALUDJAK)

Just before the holiday season began, Corey Panika sat down in front of his Christmas tree in his trademark ball cap, picked up his guitar and hit “record” on his phone.

The 26-year-old doesn’t often sing in public venues, but he felt like he had a message worth sharing.

Panika, a construction worker in Rankin Inlet, wrote a song about life, or more importantly, about choosing life in the face of depression and thoughts of suicide.

I love my life yeah how bout’ you?
Yes it gets hard sometimes, yeah who can’t deny
Sometimes we don’t even know what to do
Just remember that you have a lot of people that are here for you

Inusii ajurnaqsisuu
Kisiani puiguqtailigi nagligijaugavi
Qaujimagiaqaraluaravi
Sangijualugavi iluani qiviqtailigi

“In Nunavut, the suicide rate is so high,” said Panika, who lost his own father to suicide, among other friends and family.

“People think they’re so alone with it have no one to talk to,” he said. “And a lot of people go to music when they’re having trouble, so I wanted to use it as a way to let them know it’s okay.”

Panika posted the video of his song to Facebook Dec. 17 and it’s since been shared hundreds of times, and viewed by more than 10,000 people.

He said he’s received dozens of messages of thanks and support from Nunavummiut and beyond.

One in particular stands out. Someone wrote to Panika to tell him “that song you wrote saved my life.”

“I was thinking about everyone who has struggled with depression,” Panika said of writing the song. “I’ve battled with it too, and whenever I feel it, I grab my guitar. It helps uplift me.”

Panika admits that mental health and suicide aren’t easy subjects to bring up in conversation; there’s something about music that breaks that barrier for him.

Panika said he also feels too busy and under-qualified to volunteer his time any other way to help his fellow Rankin Inlet residents who are in need.

“It’s easier for me to let it out that way,” he said.

Panika played some piano when he was younger, mostly gospel-style music, but hasn’t had any formal training. A friend helped him learn some chords on the guitar a few years ago, but he’s mostly self-taught and only plays solo.

But since posting his song on social media, Panika said he’s had encouragement from other Inuit musicians, including a personal idol of his, singer-songwriter Charlie Panigoniak.

“With all the positive feedback I’ve been getting, music is definitely a path I want to follow,” Panika said.

“But my main message for everyone out there is that you’re strong, and you’re worth it.”

You can watch Panika perform the song by clicking the date below.