Sexual health promoted at Nunavut Arctic College

Crocheted, anatomically-correct reproductive organs were among the attention-grabbing items on display at Nunavut Arctic College’s main campus in Iqaluit last week.

The occasion was the Sexy Health Carnival, put on by the Native Youth Sexual Health Network.

With the help of the Department of Health and Nunatta Learner Services, between Feb. 5 and Feb. 7 the main campus lobby was filled with information booths on topics ranging from safer sex practices, reproductive health and how to talk to children about sex.

Sexy health scene

There were about a dozen displays on topics like HIV, STDs, contraception and menstrual health, as well as baskets filled with free condoms for all genders.

There was also a seven-page Inuktitut children’s picture book about naming body parts, published by Inhabit Media.

As well, the NYSHN reps ran workshops with the students in the classroom on Tuesday.

On Wednesday and Thursday, an information session was open to the public.

Over the course of the three days, representatives say that about 50 people came to them with questions and took pamphlets and contraception.

They say they did activities like button-making and taught with demonstrations. One example was showing the public how to use a menstrual cup on a model of a vagina.

Department of Health resources

Among the information literature were Government of Nunavut Department of Health handouts about birth control. It showed the advantages and disadvantages of taking contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices, condoms and Depo-Provera shots.

“Most types of birth control are free for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries or are covered by private health insurance,” said the folded handout, called Thinking About Having Sex?

It also focused on how to tell if you are ready to have a baby.

The four points were about ensuring you have a happy, healthy relationship with your partner, being able to provide what is best for the baby, accepting the changes the body will go through, as well as accepting how your life will change, in terms of time, sleep and money.

There was even a section that explained the truth about common myths—like how a person can in fact still get pregnant the first time they have sex or how people should still wear condoms even if they are taking a contraceptive pill.

One handout from the Department of Health about talking to children about sexuality includes conversation-starters for parents.

Some options were: “Do you have any questions about what you’re feeling or the changes you’re going through?” and “It seems like you don’t want to talk about this right now, and that’s OK. If you ever have any questions, you can ask me.”

“Demonstrate Pilimmaksarniq. Be open, honest and welcoming,” said the handout.

“Keep your sense of humour. Do not worry if the conversation is not perfect.”