X3Nymst4 PARNASIMAUTIK Notice to Media Kuujjuaq - May 26, 2016 Message to Nunavik Inuit from Parnasimautilirijiit Parnasimautilirijiit, the leaders of the Nunavik regional organizations, met this week in Kuujjuaq. The suicide crisis in Nunavik was on the agenda as planned at our last meeting in February 2016. Over several years, Nunavik communities have experienced a worrying increase in deaths by suicide and suicide attempts, particularly among our youth. Already characterized by rates that are significantly higher than other Inuit regions and Quebec, Nunavik responded in 2012 and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) created a permanent Regional Suicide Prevention Committee which involves all partners in the region. This group provides regular reports to Parnasimautilirijiit. We were joined in the discussion by Natan Obed, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) who shared his experience and the work ITK is doing on developing a National Inuit Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Root causes are complex. Solutions must be targeted at the societal and individual levels and grounded in our strengths - identity, spirituality and resiliency adapted to the realities of today and the challenges facing our youth, families and communities. This situation is of great concern and all organizations are working in unity to find solutions. Communications, commitment and cooperation are absolutely essential. Rest assured that the local and regional authorities meet regularly to discuss, share and put in place different measures. As a response to the immediate situation, a Nunavik Crisis Response Plan has been developed. This plan is being shared with all authorities to ensure a coordinated response and an efficient implementation of sustainable actions. The NRBHSS is coordinating the implementation of measures identified within the Response Plan. Initial financial support has been received from the Government of Quebec and the Federal Government to assist our regional organizations to launch the Response Plan. Because it will take a long time to reverse the current situation, the governments must provide adequate funding for services and facilities in the long term. Our organizations are also identifying needs for long term support aimed at prevention. This will require resources for new facilities and programs targeting needs at the societal and individual levels. Housing, mental health services, improvements to the justice system, parenting skills, and early childhood education are high on the list. Together as leaders, we are committed to continue working to bring hope, restore resiliency and build a better future for our population. Parnasimautilirijiit sends its sincere condolences to individuals and families who have been touched by these sad events. For more information please contact: William Tagoona Communications Coordinator and Media Relations wtagoona@makivik.org 819-964-2925 Help is available: • • • • • • Page 2 Community CLSC: #9090 (Inuktitut/english/french) Traditional Health Support workers (Inuit Values & Practices (9h-17h , Monday to Friday) (1-877-686-2845) (Inuktitut/english) Kamatsiaqtut Help line: 1-800-265-3333 (Inuktitut/english) Kids help phone: 1-800-668-6868 (www.kidshelpphone.ca) (English/french) National suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (English) 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553) (French)