Northerners urged to embrace life as World Suicide Prevention Day marked around globe

Sunday is World Suicide Prevention Day andcommunities across Nunavut have events planned to celebrate life and remind those facing troubles that "there is always hope."

InIqaluit, theEmbraceLife Council is organizing its annual Embrace Life Day, which has beenhappening for more than 10 years.

The day is used tohonour the lives of those who have died, to join together to overcome hardships "and remember that we aren't alone," saidRachel Michael, program coordinator with the council.

It is estimated that each day in Canada, 11 people end their livesand 210 make a suicide attempt, according to theCanadian Association for Suicide Prevention.

"It's definitely difficult in certain times when you get so low that it doesn't feel like anyone's there for you. But it takes strength from within, it really is your own motivation that you need to reach out for help," said Michael.

"That's the first step. The pathways are there once you've asked for help."

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Earlier this summer, theNunavutgovernment in partnership withNunavutTunngavik and Embrace Life Council unveiled a $35 million, five-year suicide prevention plan.

It focuses on building a program at the community level, instead of leaving all the legwork to the territorial government.

The plan dedicates $16 million to community programs, large or small, that work toprevent suicide anything from mental health services and prenatal care to early childhood education.

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"It opens the dialogueabout what changes we can make among ourselves to become healthy individuals, which in turn turns into healthy communities," said Michael.

The pathways are there once you've asked for help.- Rachel Michael,EmbraceLife Council

Events planned all day

There are various activities taking place throughout Sunday in Iqaluitas part of Embrace Life Day, such as a free swim at theIqaluit Aquatic Centre and free time on the turf at the Arctic Winter Games sports centre.

The annual Embrace Life Day walk takes place at 6 p.m. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the Inuksuk High School to walk the Ring Road.

Following the walk, the school will host a concert by Nick Sherman, an Indigenous artist from Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Tickets are $10 for youth, aged 13-18 and $20 for adults. Opening artist Colleen Nakashuk will performoriginal Inuktitut songs with her ukelele.

The concert is Sherman's first show in anEmbrace Life Tour that will also headto Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Igloolik, with a final concert in Cape Dorset.

Simeon Mikkungwak,MLA for Baker Lake, said many communities are planning or have already done suicide awareness walks.

Just prior to the one in Baker Lake this year, two young people took their lives, one of whom was closely related to Mikkungwak.

"It really hit our community," he said, adding the deaths underscored the importanceof the walk and awareness around suicide.

"We all struggle in life. We all go through hardships," he said.

"There are some bad days here and there but I encourage people to try and have hope in life. There is always hope."

Anyone experiencingsuicidal thoughts is urged tocontact their health centreor call Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline at1-800- 265-3333.

There is also the Kids Help Phone line where you canspeak to a counsellor. The toll-free number, 1-800-668-6868, is available 24 hours a day.