In 2013, 45 suicides (mostly young Inuit men) occurred in Nunavut, Canada – an annual record since the territory’s establishment in 1999. When mortality rates are age-standardized, suicide emerges as the cause of nearly one in six deaths in the territory. To put this into perspective, Nunavut would have the second highest suicide rate in the world if it were a country. Resources or programs that would most effectually and positively influence Inuit mental resilience and wellness – ultimately reversing this tragic suicide trend – remain poorly understood. The territory thus faces a humanitarian crisis in the area of mental health and community wellness.

The Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit, also referred to as the Embrace Life Council, is a non-profit suicide prevention organization based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. In January 2004, with joint backing from the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tungavik Incorporated, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Embrace Life Council was founded. In lockstep with its Board and the evolving needs of the local community, the Council examines best practices and resource allocation for Nunavut mental health care.

In close, Board-approved partnership with the Embrace Life Council (Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit) and other community leaders, this study aims to explore Nunavut residents’ experiences of mental resilience as well as their utilization patterns of (broadly defined) mental health support systems in three towns with the highest suicide rates: Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Pond Inlet. This research will take place during July and August 2015.

The work employs mixed methods, meaning there are two components for participants (most of whom will likely be Inuit young adults): (1) a quantitative demographic questionnaire and (2) a qualitative semi-structured interview. Participants’ informally shared experiences will be extremely valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of exactly how Nunavut residents build, re-establish, and sustain their mental wellness and resilience over time. The dual research approach offers two windows into residents’ experiences with their mental wellness, resilience, and their preferred, effectual, and/or meaningful sources of support.

Participants’ de-identified responses will provide the Council and local public health leaders with much-needed answers to key questions about mental wellness as well as analyses that will support their ongoing efforts to improve mental health and healthcare in Nunavut. Regular progress updates, study results, and other deliverables will be discussed in detail with the Council; summaries will be shared with key local stakeholders and the public to inform open, constructive dialogue around mental health care delivery in Nunavut.

Informed about and equipped with residents’ insights, the Council and local leaders can use the results of this study to drive more effectual health policies, better mental health care delivery, and more effective psychosocial resource allocation in Nunavut. In becoming aware of constituents’ preferred mental wellness practices and values in the three Inuit communities, officials at the local, territorial, and federal levels can strive to best meet their desires and needs. By listening to and being led by the voice of the people, this work echoes the Council’s 11-year-strong mission: “to support and encourage Nunavummiut to value life.”