Embrace Life Council honoured as mental health ‘champion’

The vice-president of Nunavut’s Embrace Life Council says she feels proud that the non-profit has been named a 2023 Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. 

The Iqaluit-based group, also known as Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit, was honoured Tuesday alongside six other individuals and groups at a ceremony in Ottawa for their work improving access to mental health services. 

Vice-president Sheila Levy was one of the original founders of the organization back in 2004, which was created in part to address the high rates of suicide in Nunavut.

Levy currently heads the group’s Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Help Line. 

“I feel proud to be part of this wonderful group that has really worked hard to bring services throughout Nunavut,” Levy said.

The Embrace Life Council, which also runs offices out of Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet, promotes all-encompassing mental wellness and social inclusion programs throughout the territory, most recently hosting a community walk in Iqaluit in September to raise awareness of mental health supports. 

“There was a number of people from different organizations that came together that felt that we were all working on suicide prevention but in silos, and so it was important that we all work together,” Levy said of the group’s formation.

She said mental health support for Nunavut youth in particular means helping them “find their purpose.”

“Youth need to be able to feel that they belong and that they are making a difference,” she said.

Embrace Life Council vice-president Sheila Levy (far right) stands with her fellow 2023 Champions of Mental Health at an award ceremony Tuesday in Ottawa hosted by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. From left to right: Dr. Anne Marie Churchill, Tina Colaco, Mike Beauchesne, Willa Zlabis, Eva Milko, MPP Bhutila Karpoche, Sheila Levy. (Photo by Madalyn Howitt)

“I think whatever we can do, whether it’s in terms of helping with addictions, helping with trauma from their past, helping build families, have community support, having community activities and resources that they can turn to is really, really important so that they can grow up to feel that they are making a contribution to their own life, their family and their community life.” 

Levy was on hand to accept the Community Organization award on behalf of the organization, while a pre-recorded video message from Embrace Life Council executive director Cécile Guerin played on the screen above the stage. 

The other six winners named Champions of Mental Health were:

Tina Colaco – The Sharon Johnstone Champion of Mental Health Award

Eva Milko – Media

Willa Zlabis – Workplace Mental Health

Mike Beauchsne – Community Individual

Ontario MPP Bhutila Karpoche – Parliamentarian

Dr. Anne Marie Churchill – Innovation – Researcher or Clinician

“These extraordinary individuals symbolize empathy, compassion, and social responsibility through their relentless efforts and innovative approaches, leading the charge in eradicating stigma and ensuring all Canadians have ready access to the mental health support they require,” said Florence Budden, co-chairperson of CAMIMH and chairperson of champions committee in her address to the audience. 

The event was held during Mental Health Awareness Week, a national initiative aimed at increasing awareness about mental illnesses, mental health, substance use health and advocating for better access to mental health resources.

Awardees were nominated by peers and community members, and the CAMIMH selection committee was made up of various healthcare professionals and organizations representing individuals with mental illnesses, their families and caregivers.