Igloolik mayor clarifies suicide situation

The Igloolik Hamlet Council would like to clarify some of the items that were mentioned in the Isuma Productions of Igloolik press release dated September 17, 1999.

In their press release it states that: “Over the past decade Igloolik’s youth suicide rate had been climbing steadily to average four or five per year. In a remote community of 1200 people this rate was 10 times the national average, one of the highest in the world.”

I believe people are entitled to facts when it comes to numbers. We were surprised to hear that Igloolik’s “rate of suicide was 10 times the national average… The numbers speak for themselves, Igloolik has seen 11 suicides in the past 19 years. A number of preventable deaths that is way too many for any community. Prior to 1980, suicide was practically unheard of in Igloolik.

Our bad year for suicides in the community was 1997. Four burials to suicides ocurred, not all young people, nor were there any children, which is completely contradictory to the perception, as mentioned in the Isuma press release, that “…our own children were killing themselves right in front of us.”

We take pride in all of our social agencies and numerous caregivers, especially for those unselfish volunteers who spent numerous hours talking and helping people who are mentally unsettled and at risk. These individuals have been called at any time of the day to give support and counselling, particularly late at night. These individuals deserve so much appreciation, yet very little recognition and appreciation have gone to them, especially with the thankless service that they provide.

Despite this fact, they will make themselves available at any time, nor do they expect recognition or monetary compensation in return for saving lives. They are the true heroes when it comes to suicide prevention in our community.

Suicide is a very tragic experience that one would pray and hope never happens. It is the responsibility of all individuals, families, social organizations, churches, and governments to prevent suicide through their project or programme delivery. For one individual and-or organization to seek credit and publicity for their success in suicide prevention is rather selfish, particularly when they do not provide the facts, but speculations, as a means of media attention. As an Inuk, I would even say that it is unethical, particularly dealing with sensitive and tragic issues, such as suicide.

Healthy communities are the responsibility to be shared by all. I welcome every and any kind of help to prevent suicide and other non-conforming behaviour in the community. To this end, I applaud Inuusiq Youth Committee in their endeavour, and I also would like to thank the Igloolik Co-operative in providing free cable for their project. This type of cooperative effort in a community is the route that we fully support.

My message to those unselfish caregivers is that, though you may not get media attention, your continued service is needed by those who find themselves in a troubled situation. Do not get discouraged because one organization appears to have done what you could not. Front line caregivers are the real suicide prevention contributors. As far as I am concerned, you are the true champion of life and teacher to many of us, your services are the contributing factors to many of the lives that you have helped to spare through your understanding, patience and caring.

Aime Panimera
Mayor of Igloolik