Premier offers condolences to Pond Inlet following 3 deaths
Details of deaths ‘inappropriate’ to share at this time, says chief coroner Dr. Michael Foote
Nunavut’s coroner is investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet. (File photo by David Venn)
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok offered his condolences to the hamlet of Pond Inlet as Nunavut’s coroner investigates three deaths in the community.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the community of Pond Inlet during this incredibly difficult time,” Akeeagok said in a statement Saturday morning.
“Like many Nunavummiut, I am heartbroken by the tragic events that have shaken your community.”
Akeeagok’s statement did not elaborate about the events he referred to.
But the territory’s coroner said his office is looking into them.
“I can confirm that we are investigating three deaths in Pond Inlet as coroner’s cases,” Dr. Michael Foote, the territory’s chief coroner, said in an email.
Foote also did not provide additional information about the deaths. He urged sensitivity to the families and the community.
“As these are currently open investigations it would be inappropriate to share details at this time,” he said.
Nunavut RCMP referred comment to the Department of Health and the Office of the Coroner.
“We don’t feel we are in a position to comment on this matter,” said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. George Henrie.
Akeeagok said the Nunavut government is stepping in to support Pond Inlet.
“The Department of Health, under the leadership of the Minister [John] Main, is coordinating the response and working closely with all government departments and local partners on the ground,” he said.
“To the residents of Pond Inlet: please know that the entire territory stands with you. You are not alone. We will walk with you through this tragedy and support your healing in the days and weeks ahead.”
Resources are available for people who need to talk with someone:
The national Suicide Crisis Helpline is 9-8-8.
Kamatsiaqtut Help Line offers services in Inuktitut. Phone: 979-3333 for Iqaluit residents and 1-800-265-3333 for other Nunavummiut.
The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca.
Healing by Talking Program offers virtual long-term counselling services to Inuit across Nunavut: visit your local Health Centre for more information, or email healing@gov.nu.ca, or call toll-free at 1-888-648-0070 or 867-975-5367.
Nunavut leads the world in suicide, we just had one again today, it is a huge problem that rarely get enough attention and even worse nothing meaningful is done about it.
I do not know why our government and Inuit organizations do so little in regards to this epidemic of suicide that ravages our territory.
I don’t know if it’s because or race or gender but our government seems to ignore this tremendous issue and do not tackle it.
Every community in Nunavut is hit hard with this epidemic of suicide. What are the plans to tackle this huge problem? What is being down? Any other jurisdictions in southern Canada would have worked to address this huge issue by now, especially to this proportion of suicides.