Congratulations to suicide prevention walkers

The Ajunnginiq Centre would like to salute the efforts of two inspiring Inuit youth: Charlotte Qamaniq-Mason and Nancy Saunders.

Charlotte, of Iqaluit, Nunavut and Nancy, from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, along with several other Aboriginal youth, recently completed a journey from western to central Canada — by foot! As part of the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Walk, the youth trekked from Duncan, B.C. to Ottawa, Ont. to raise awareness about the devastating rates of suicide in Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities.

The staff of the Ajunnginiq Centre was honoured to join Charlotte, Nancy and the other walkers on the last five kilometres of their very long journey. The Ajunnginiq Centre wished to show our support by walking alongside the youth as they climbed the steps to Parliament Hill, their final destination.

The Ajunnginiq Centre, the Inuit-specific centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization, focuses on Inuit health-related issues. Through our work, we are well aware of the high rates of suicide among Inuit and how these deaths affect other individuals, families, communities, and regions.

The Ajunnginiq Centre recently completed elders’ focus groups within the Nunavut, Nunavik, Inuvialuit and Labrador land claims settlement areas to hear about survival: how Inuit traditionally learned to cope with difficulties and hardships. Elders told us that knowing and practicing Inuit values and beliefs such as resilience, determination and endurance were important coping skills to survive any problem. Charlotte and Nancy, in their walk, demonstrated their commitment to these values.

It is important that more Inuit youth get involved in bringing attention to suicide, sharing their stories of hope, and offering support to their peers. Charlotte and Nancy are shining examples to all Inuit youth. Congratulations on your successful walk!

Staff of the Ajunnginiq Centre
National Aboriginal Health Organization
Ottawa