Canadian Inuit community engagement in suicide prevention

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review suicide patterns among Inuit in Canada and highlight new developments in Inuit-driven and community-based suicide prevention. Study design. Narrative overview of suicide among Inuit in Canada, strides towards Inuit autonomy, and community and government action towards suicide prevention. METHODS: Review of Inuit meanings of mental health, movements towards Inuit control across Inuit Nunaat (the 4 Inuit regions) of Canada, and of community and government action towards suicide prevention. RESULTS: Economic advancement is occurring in Inuit Nunaat following land claim settlements, and territorial and provincial governments are overseeing Inuit well-being. Inuit community engagement in suicide prevention is taking place and studies are being planned to evaluate the efficacy of such action for suicide prevention and community mental health. Initial evidence demonstrates that community control over suicide prevention itself can be effective towards preventing suicide. CONCLUSIONS: A new orientation is taking place in Canada in the name of Aboriginal community empowerment. There is a new hope for the model of meaningful community engagement and partnership with the Canadian government in suicide prevention and well-being.

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