Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy partners announce recommitment
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy partners announce recommitment
IQALUIT, Nunavut (January 8, 2016) – The Government of Nunavut (GN), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) "V Division", and Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council announce a joint commitment to continue to advance the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy, a vision built through public engagement and evidence-based research.
The reaffirmation follows the partners’ previous support for the jury recommendations of the 2015 coroner’s inquest into the high rates of suicide in Nunavut. The partners continue to meet to develop an action plan including the jury recommendations and Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy commitments.
"For generations, we Inuit have survived the harshest conditions by working together and supporting each other," said Paul Okalik, Minister responsible for suicide prevention. "With the joint adoption today of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy, we carry on the tradition of working together for a common cause. All of us, as organizations and individuals, will contribute to making suicide a thing of our past."
These sentiments are echoed by NTI Vice-President and Chair of the Inuit social and cultural development advisory committee, James Eetoolook. "We are pleased to welcome a new era in suicide prevention with our partners and look forward to strengthened and renewed partnership and collaboration moving forward," Eetoolook said.
"The RCMP remains fully committed to working with our stakeholders in maintaining suicide prevention as a top priority. Our overall goal is to have a leadership role in the well-being of Nunavummiut," said C/Supt. Michael Jeffrey.
"The Embrace Life Council looks forward to a strengthened partnership and a collaborative approach to suicide prevention. The partnership will lead engagement with stakeholders, including families, non-governmental, faith organizations and youth committees, and guide the implementation of the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy," added David Lawson, President of Embrace Life Council.
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For more information:
Irma Arkus
Manager, Communications
and Public Relations
Department of Health
@email | (867) 975-5762
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
David Lawson, Cpl.
RCMP "V" Division Media Relations
Iqaluit, Nunavut
(867) 222-3977 @email
David Lawson
President
Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council
(867) 975-3233 | @email