Suicide prevention in spotlight across Nunavut

World Suicide Day was observed on Monday across Nunavut, which has one ofthe highest suicide rates in Canada.

Nunavummiut in at least seven communities Iqaluit, Arctic Bay, Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq and Whale Cove embarked on walks through their streets to learn where they can seek help if they or someone they know is at risk of committing suicide.

A moment of silence was also observed at 11 a.m. to remember those people lost to suicide.

Since Nunavut was formed in 1999, 233 people in the territory of nearly 30,000 have taken their own life.

The Nunavut Embrace Life Council, which organized the walks, hopes more people will learn how to deal with difficult situations as a a result of Monday's walks.

"By talking about embracing life and what it means to us, it's a way to start getting people to realize that we do have coping mechanisms that we just need to utilize more often, rather than damaging relationships that we have with the ones that we love," executive director Lori Idlout said.

In Ottawa, several Inuit organizations held a traditional gathering beside the Eternal Flame on Parliament Hill Monday afternoon.

Rosemary Cooper, the political co-ordinator with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said Inuit gathered to celebrate and embrace life by focusing on positive lifestyles for Inuit around the world.

"How we all link together is very important," Cooper said. "Get the message home to our youth that celebrating life is very important and being there to support them, when you're going through crisis."

In addition to Monday's activities, concerned individuals and groups are active in suicide prevention programs year-round in Inuit communities, from operating crisis hotlines to promoting Inuit culture and resiliency.

On Friday, about 600 residents in Cambridge Bay held their suicide prevention walk through the hamlet. Among them was Jordan Lyall, who tried to commit suicide two years ago after his parents separated.

"It's the most scariest thing anyone could ever go through," Lyall, 15,told CBC News Friday. "It's affected not only me, but my family. It's something that needs to be stopped and needs to be dealt with."

He was flown by medevac to Yellowknife for treatment, but he said it was difficult to come back to Cambridge Bay to deal with the aftermath of his suicide attempt. Lyall said he received help from a counsellor and friends, and is now willing to give others advice.

"If you're ever feeling suicidal, I know what it's like," he said. "I know that it feels like there's no one to talk to about it. But I'm here to talk about it with you guys."