World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for all of us, from all walks of society, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to come together to show support, promote an understanding, and to raise awareness about prevention activities and initiatives.
Many of us are impacted by suicide in one way or another during our lives. August 9, 2008 is a day that will forever be etched in my mind. That was the day my son took his life. Not a day goes by when I wonder what I could have done, as a father, to help him. I struggle with trying to understand why he did what he did. Over time, I learned to accept that I cannot change the past, and that I have to find a way to carry on with my life – one day at a time. The support that I have received along the way, from family and friends, from my community and from others also impacted by suicide, has helped me to move forward.
The Nunatsiavut Government has worked very hard over the years to raise awareness of mental health. We continue to provide many prevention, intervention and post-intervention programs, and we work closely with other governments, agencies organizations and groups in dealing with this issue.
As we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day, celebrated each year on September 10, it is important to remember that life is to be celebrated and cherished. I encourage all Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement to come together as one, to support each other, to raise awareness and understanding, and to work together to improve the mental wellness of all of our people and communities.