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Nunavut Youth Suicide Crisis: A Call to Action
23 Dec
Summary
- Suicide rates in Inuit Nunangat are 5 to 25 times higher than Canada's national average.
- Child and youth injuries related to suicide attempts surged 433% between 2019-2024.
- Nunavut aims to establish a Youth Council to amplify young voices.
Nunavut is grappling with an alarming surge in youth suicide, a crisis acknowledged by the territorial government. Rates within Inuit Nunangat are estimated to be five to 25 times higher than the rest of Canada. Recent statistics reveal a staggering 433% increase in reported injuries linked to suicide attempts among those under 19 between 2019 and 2024. This age group constitutes a significant portion of Nunavut's population.
Health Minister Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster is focusing on engaging youth and providing support for those experiencing suicidal ideation. The territory's representative for children and youth emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize young people's survival. Challenges such as poverty, housing, and intergenerational trauma are recognized as contributing factors, though a comprehensive study linking them is yet to be completed.
To address this, Nunavut plans to establish a Youth Council, empowering young individuals to voice their concerns and needs on a broader scale. This initiative is part of a larger suicide prevention action plan. Efforts are also being made to foster intergenerational connections, drawing strength from elders to help heal and move forward from trauma.
