GN response to Pond Inlet suicides prevented further tragedy: MLA

The Department of Health’s quick response to a series of suicide deaths in Pond Inlet this summer likely prevented further tragedies from occurring, the community’s MLA says.

Tununiq MLA Karen Nutarak rose in the legislature Tuesday — one day before World Suicide Prevention Day, also known as Embrace Life Day in Nunavut — to say she was thankful for Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Health Minister John Main’s immediate responses to what she described as an “escalating crisis.”

Nutarak said that “over a very short period, the community of Pond Inlet experienced one suicide after another, after another, and then another. It was, and still is, very traumatic.”

In July, Nunavut’s chief coroner Dr. Michael Foote confirmed his office was investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet but did not provide additional details.

In the legislature Tuesday, Nutarak thanked the Nunavut government, staff and responders who took action to help the community.

“If it were not for the interventions, supports and resources provided through the Department of Health and other organizations, the situation could have been even worse,” she said.

As part of the response, Nutarak said, some young people were sent out of the community for counselling while others who remained in Pond Inlet were put on “mental health watch.”

“While I will always be thankful for the support and resources that were provided to address the recent situation in Pond Inlet, the sad fact remains that these young lives are forever lost,” she said.

“We must tackle this crisis. We must build hope and foster the joy of living in our youth. We need support for all of our people to stay strong and resilient.”

During question period, Main said the response included sending a doctor to Pond Inlet as well as other staff from the departments of Health and Justice to assist.

“The young people were said to be in a lot of danger, and they provided them with things that can help them,” he said.

Main also described door-to-door outreach carried out with RCMP to make sure people were properly storing firearms, medication and alcohol in their homes. Nunavut’s chief firearm’s officer said in July that it would be fair to assume the firearm involved in this summer’s incidents was improperly stored.

After Nutarak asked what more could be done to prevent deaths by suicide, Main said his department is trying to be “more aggressive” in implementing the Inuusivut Annirnaqtut 2024-2029 suicide prevention strategy, which he signed last year alongside the RCMP, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Embrace Life Council.

Also, the Department of Health is visiting all 25 communities to inform and consult with residents on the new Mental Health Act, Main said.

Passed in 2021, the new legislation is expected to be implemented next year. Community visits started in August and continue through October.

A report tabled in the legislature by Main late last year indicated 451 Inuit died by suicide from 2010 until early in 2024.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (Nunavut-based, Inuktitut available):

• Iqaluit: 867-979-3333.
• Toll-free: 1-800-265-3333.

The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline:

• 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca.

Healing by Talking Program (virtual counselling for Inuit):

• Toll-free 1-888-648-0070.
• Email: healing@gov.nu.ca.
• Canadian Suicide Crisis Help Line:

• Call or text on 988 to be directed to a helpline to best suit your needs.

Kids Help Phone:

• Call 1-800-668-6868.
• Live chat available at kidshelpphone.ca.
• Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868 to message with a trained volunteer.

Embrace Life Council:

• Visit www.inuusiq.com for more information, support, and tips.