Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) released the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy yesterday.
Natan Obed is the President for ITK.
He says that the strategy is a series of actions and interventions to address the high number of deaths by suicide among Inuit.
It promotes a shared understanding of the context and underlying risk factors for suicide in Inuit communities.
It also guides policy at the regional and national levels on evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention.
To support implementation of the strategy, Health Canada announced $9 million for Inuit-specific approaches to improving mental wellness.
This funding includes dedicated resources for early childhood development programs; supporting a fund for Inuit-led suicide prevention projects, programs and initiatives administered jointly by Inuit and Health Canada; and supporting Inuit-led coordination, outreach and education for suicide preventions.
Click here to hear Obed give us more details about the National Inuit Suicide prevention Strategy.