Trends are ‘hopeful’

Nunavut suicide rate edging down

A slight but persistent decrease in Nunavut’s tragically high suicide rate has officials hoping that programs to help those at risk are finally taking hold.

“We have a really strong partnership in Nunavut,” said Karen Kabloona, a deputy minister in the territory’s Health Department. “We have a way forward. It’s based on evidence and what Nunavummiut say needs to happen.”

Suicide among Inuit has been a long-standing and difficult problem in the Eastern Arctic that has touched nearly every family. At its worst, in 2004, the five-year average was 121 per 100,000 people — nearly 11 times the national rate.

Since then, suicide in Nunavut has been up and down. But since 2014, it’s decreased slightly every year.

Statistics compiled from Nunavut’s chief coroner say last year’s rate was 106 — a 13 per cent drop.

“The trends are hopeful,” said Jack Hicks, a researcher with experience in the area.

“The good news is that suicide prevention efforts are far more effective than they were just a few years ago. All our work is finally paying off.”

Since 2011, funding for mental health and suicide prevention has grown to almost $34 million in the most recent budget from almost $9 million.

The territory’s multi-year action plan addresses overall community mental health, specific people at risk and families who have lost loved ones.

Young people are a major focus. Many communities run youth nights and cultural activities to keep kids busy in tiny, isolated communities.

Kabloona said giving teens emotional coping skills is crucial. That was one of the major goals at a youth camp the territory offered last summer.

“They get together and learn traditional skills, but they also have gathering times when they talk about their emotions and they learn to cope with the emotions they feel,” she said.