Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
TABLE De La Stuff In It
Table of contents
Inuusiqatsiarniq Definition
Principles
Policy Authority
Background
Evidence
Rationale
Rationale for an Inuit-specific
approach
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Program Description:
Wellness
Management
Maintenance
Knowledge/monitoring/
evaluation/technology
Program Goals and Objectives
Implementation
Governance and Funding
Evaluation plan
Communications Plan
Conclusion and next steps
Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
Background
Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness is a priority action area that many Inuit individuals and groups have adopted. In 2002, the National Inuit Youth
Council initiated the National Inuit Youth Suicide Prevention Framework project and developed the Framework Report, which contains a set of
recommendations to address the issue of suicide. The project continues on - with work being undertaken to follow-up to the recommendations from the
report.
In September of 2004, the Government of Canada announced that it will support the development and implementation of a National Aboriginal Youth Suicide
Prevention Strategy. Working alongside Health Canada’s First Nations & Inuit Health Branch, and the Assembly of First Nations, we are contributing to the
development of this strategy, for which $65M was allocated. To address the unique needs and priorities of Inuit, we are working with partners in Inuit
communities and developing and implementing an Inuit-specific strategy: Inuusiqatsiarniq.
In all of our discussions and consultations with Inuit, the following message has been made clear: we have to do something . . . and we have to do it in a
positive way. It is for this reason that this strategy focuses not on suicide or suicide prevention, but on Inuusiqatsiarniq - on the positive . . . helping to
encourage and foster healthy lifestyles and wholistic well-being.
Evidence
The evidence is clear. We see it, hear it, feel it, live it.
For further background materials on evidence, see the attachment titled Evidence Deck.
Rationale
Suicide rates among Inuit are the highest in Canada, at eleven times the national average, - and they are rising, especially among youth. If
there is no coordinated approach to addressing this serious issue, there is no indication the problem with fix itself. While Inuit have been
working together in some communities to help prevent suicide, Inuit have been expressing the need for national level-strategies and
coordination to support local and regional efforts.
It has been made clear that this is a negative issue, and that in order to facilitate positive change, we have to approach it in a positive
manner. Celebrate/Embrace Life! From an Inuit perspective, it is clear that in order for any ”suicide prevention” strategy to be successful,
it must not focus on the problem or the symptoms, but that the focus be given to Inuusiqatsiarniq.
Principles of our strategy
It is our common view, as Inuit, that an effective suicide prevention strategy:
o Promotes Life and Well-being
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Promotes and fosters healthy interpersonal and formal partnerships,
Focuses on the individual, family, community as well as the system,
Is developed and implemented in a positive manner
Is culturally appropriate and provides for the unique needs of the target beneficiaries
Identifies and improves/increases protective factors and reduces risk factors
Is comprehensive, nationwide and meaningfully supports locally driven and implemented approaches
Participates in research and builds evaluation into all activities
Includes provisions for ongoing work and planning
Is backed with the cooperation and support required to implement it
Policy Authority
Policy authority is provided by the Memorandum to Cabinet: Follow-up to the Special Meeting of the First Ministers and
Aboriginal Leaders, September 13, 2004
Inuusiqatsiar niq Str ate g y
This strategy is organized into the following sections:
Program Description
Wellness
Management
Maintenance
Knowledge/monitoring/evaluation
Human Resources
Inuusiqatsiarniq goals objectives
Program Description
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Communications Plan
Implementation
Conclusion and next steps
Governance and Funding
Evaluation Plan
Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
The overall purpose of this strategy is to work together, coordinate and make good use of existing resources. The
Inuusiqatsiarniq Strategy aims to contribute to the wellness of individuals, families, communities and systems by supporting
activities in 5 key areas. Inuit regions and communities can choose to focus their work within on or more these key areas
according to needs and priorities. These key areas are:
1. Wellness (promotion and prevention)
Promote: “to contribute to the growth or prosperity of; further.” Merriam-Webster online dictionary
Prevent: “to be in readiness for (as an occasion); to meet or satisfy in advance; to act ahead of; to go or arrive before; to deprive of power
or hope of acting or succeeding; to keep from happening or existing; to hold or keep back” - Merriam-Webster online dictionary
Wellness related activities will include those which improve/increase protective factors (promotion) and reduce risk factors
(prevention). The two pictures on this page are but a few quotes and examples to understand Inuusiqatsiarniq from an Inuit
perspective:
Wellness activities will include promotion of Inuit youth self-esteem and positive identity, and support increased awareness of
risk factors (and how to help).
Culturally relevant and youth specific tools to foster risk assessment, healthy families and parenting, and to facilitate youth
leadership will be developed and made available.
2. Management (Care and treatment, Intervention/crisis intervention, Access)
The Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy will endorse activities which improve support for stabilizing communities in crisis and contribute
towards improved care and treatment of people in need of help. Existing crisis protocols will be reviewed and modified to
meet individual community needs. Activities supported through this strategy will be accessible to all Inuit.
3. Maintenance (Programs over the long term, Follow-up)
Particular focus is to be given to follow-up. The Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy will support activities which are not static, but
contribute to the ongoing wellness movement. The working towards/attainment of wellness/Inuusiqatsiarniq is an ongoing
process. All activities will incorporate a follow-up component, identifying further action to be taken. We cannot expect to see
results overnight, or even to see “considerable” results over the next few short years. S ustainability, in this environment,
means making good use of what’s already there and working towards ensuring everyone’s behaviours and actions contribute
towards . . . meeting our overall goals.
The development and implementation of this strategy is just another step. There must be commitment, early on, to continue
this work on an ongoing long-term basis and for all partners to work together and back it up with the resources required.
4. Knowledge/monitoring/evaluation
Activities under the Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy will help increase what we know regarding what is effective in working to
improve the quality of life for Inuit youth. By supporting scientific, participatory research and documenting and validating
community and traditional knowledge, activities under the Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy will engage youth, elders, traditional
healers and the overall community in answering (research) questions regarding suicide prevention and wellness which are
identified by Inuit.
Research projects supported through this strategy will hold to the principles of OCAP (Inuit Ownership, Control, Access and
Possession of/to information collected). All research will be developed in partnership with or by Inuit organizations.
All activities will incorporate a detailed evaluation component to contribute towards building a strong knowledge base of what
works. Recognizing that activities to be supported with be “evidence based”, evaluations, research and other knowledge
related activities will contribute to the growing information base showing evidence for what works, including evidence given
from individual and community testimonies and traditional expertise.
Results of research activities will be shared widely through Inuit and other networks to allow all communities to benefit from
results of all research/monitoring activities. Inuit research capacity and leadership will continue to be built.
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Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
5. Human Resources
None of this can be done without people. The Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy recognizes the vital role Human Resources play in its
success. Our primary aim with respect to Human Resources is to approach life and this work in a positive manner and help
others to do the same.
Through various community-initiated activities, volunteers, frontline workers, youth, adults, parents, elders, communities,
organizations and governments will be supported in understanding the issues and realities related to Inuusiqatsiarniq.
Information, tools, resources and supportive learning environments will be made available to enable all community members
to increase their recognition of suicide risk factors, warning signs, at-risk behaviors and the provision of effective intervention
(how to help).
Regular gatherings and meetings of youth, volunteers, professionals, frontline workers, traditional healers, etc. will be
supported to provide ongoing knowledge development, sharing and peer support. Education and skills development,
including formal and informal training will be supported to invest in people. Particular focus will be given to educate young
people inside and outside of the school setting.
Strategic linkages will be made with other Human Resource strategies, including the Health Human Resource Strategy.
6. Infrastructure
Infrastructure required to carry out successful programs and activities can also be considered under the strategy.
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Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
Inuusiqatsiarniq Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of the Inuusiqatsiarniq Strategy are as follows:
Goal # 1 - To support Inuit communities to develop and implement locally-driven Wellness Plans
Objectives:
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Support communities in creating linkages with a variety of local resources, committees, organizations and
agencies such as Inuit organizations, police, schools, Elders, Youth, community leaders, and local private industry
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Support the establishment of recognized Community Circles/Local Embrace Life Committees
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Work with the Community Circles to develop and implement local wellness plans
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Develop and provide culturally- appropriate tools, resources and ongoing support to communities to create
and implement local suicide prevention/community wellness plans
Goal # 2 – To make LIFE a more viable option for young Inuit by strengthening key protective factors and reducing
risk factors against youth suicide
Objectives:
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Support activities included in local wellness plans
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Engage youth, parents, families, elders and the whole community in all of our efforts
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Provide culturally relevant information, tools and resources that encourage and foster Inuusiqatsiarniq
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Support activities that provide emotional, artistic and creative outlets for youth and community members and
facilitate effective communication in interpersonal relationships.
Goal # 3 - To increase awareness and understanding
Objectives:
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Decrease stigma related to the issue of talking about suicide prevention by approaching matters in a more
positive way
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Draw attention to successful activities, initiatives and programs and help communities to implement similar
activities relevant for their circumstances
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Increase recognition of risk factors/behaviours, warning signs
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Increase understanding of how to help, targeting the general public, youth, parents and families, key
gatekeepers, volunteers and professionals
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Provide information, tools and resources for front-line workers
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Provide supportive learning environments and tools to parents that encourage their involvement in the health
and well-being of their children/youth
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Provide information and skills development to help increase the number of people who can effectively
respond to those who are in need of help
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Working with and learning from our partners in the development of a shared long term planning component,
we will assist in facilitating discussions at the local, regional, national and international levels.
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Be positive
Goal # 4 - To strengthen and facilitate collaborative approaches and linkages
Objectives:
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Utilize and build on existing national, regional and local efforts to improve mental wellness in Inuit
communities, including but not limited to the work of the National Inuit Youth Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Regional
Inuit Associations, the National Inuit Committee on Health, the National Aboriginal Health Organization-Ajunnginiq
Centre, Isaksimagit Inuusirmi, Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Organization, health authorities and others
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Establish/Build upon suicide prevention networks that support knowledge exchange between Community
Circles (community-based projects) and front-line workers; governments, agencies and organizations; and
contributes to increased awareness and understanding of wellness
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Support linkages and collaborative approaches with other federal government departments and provincial
and territorial governments
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Work with partners to streamline programs and services (and their administration) to allow for the greatest
benefit to Inuit from available resources
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Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
Goal # 5 - To improve crisis response efforts
Objectives:
• Support increased emergency response capacity by:
o Reviewing existing crisis response protocols and revise as necessary for adoption by communities
o Supporting crisis response skills training for front-line workers and volunteer community members
o Support the development, implementation and maintenance of regional crisis response teams
o Support development of tools and resources to support those individuals and groups dealing with the aftermath
of suicide(s)
Implementation
The implementation of activities highlighted in this strategy will be ongoing and will involve the work of many individuals and
collectives. For the purpose of administering activities supported through the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention
Strategy, this section deals with specific information on implementing activities associated directly with that program.
So long as communities agree to:
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Engage youth at the forefront in planning and work
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Create linkages with local resources, committees, organizations and agencies such as Inuit
organizations, police, schools, health centres, Elders, Youth, community leaders, and local private industry
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Establish (or have established) recognized Community Circles/Local Embrace Life Committees
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Work with the rest of the community and with governments and organizations to develop and implement
local wellness plans and activities
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Work towards achieving the goals and objectives outlined in this strategy
The Government of Canada, through the National Aboriginal Youth Strategy, will agree to
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In consultation with partners, establish the National Inuit Steering Committee, which will oversee the
implementation and monitoring of the strategy
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Provide support in all areas relating to the further development and implementation of this strategy and
resulting plans
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Facilitate the development of tools and information, identified through this strategy and by communities,
which contribute to wellness
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Facilitate strategic partnerships with other Government Departments, other organizations and
communities
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Participate, in the long-term, in the work of wellness and suicide prevention
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Taking recommendations from the National Inuit Steering Committee, fund and support communities,
projects and activities which meet the criteria identified above
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Ensure that:
1. All Inuit regions benefit from the funding available
2. Funds allocated to Inuit be directly accountable to Inuit. This will require partnerships and working
relationships at all levels. It is recognized that for some regions this may mean direct funding
relationships and for others there would need to be ongoing negotiations regarding the distribution of
funds.
Funds be allocated based on Inuit priorities and regional/community goals and objectives
3.
4. Multi-year funding commitments be provided to benefit Inuit regions and communities, with reasonable
5.
reporting requirements.
Inuit specific allocations be based on cost of delivery not on a per capita funding model
Governance and Funding
Target Group
Inuit, with a focus on youth
Type of Service Providers
It is important to build on the strengths and knowledge of the community and the youth. Service providers can include, but
are not limited to,
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Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
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Volunteers
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Funding will be available for Inuit region and community level activities
Frontline workers
Youth
Adults
Parents
Elders
Professionals
Para-professionals
Traditional Healers
Funding Provided to
Inuit regions may choose to collaborate to support projects at the cross regional or National level
Funding will be available for national coordination and evaluation
Program delivery agents include:
• Regional Land Claims Organizations
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Inuit Organization
Regional/Territorial governments
Local and municipal governments
Non-Governmental Organizations
Community Organizations
Community Circles/Local Embrace Life Committees
Funding Mechanism Terms and Conditions
FNIHB has committed to a Senior Bilateral process with ITK on policy issues. A National Inuit Steering Committee will be put
in place to discuss program issues, including implementation, accountability and ongoing monitoring.
Ongoing national technical level discussions between ITK and FNIHB will continue as required and will provide
recommendations to Senior Management of FNIHB through the Director General of the Community Programs Directorate as
appropriate.
To work effectively with the five National Aboriginal organizations on the program components for Aboriginal people in urban,
rural and off reserve areas (including Metis), an advisory group will be put in place.
Evaluation Plan
Working with the National Inuit Steering Committee, a detailed evaluation plan will be developed to monitor the program and
communicate results, lessons learned and new directions.
A comprehensive evaluation framework will be developed to adopt a series of culturally appropriate evaluations tools to
understand the effectiveness of recent and existing mental health/suicide prevention programs and make changes for
greatest effectiveness. Caution will be given to ensure that evaluation efforts do not put undue administrative burden on
communities, while still contributing effectively to the growing body of knowledge.
Principles:
1. A participatory process and outcomes evaluation
2. Evaluation methods will include both qualitative and quantitative information
3. Evaluation measures will reflect the outcomes identified in this framework
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Inuusiqatsiarniq Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy
4. Allowances will be made in any evaluation for local and regional Inuit capacity building
Community and/or Inuit region reporting will include:
1. A plan to gather and report information within the workplan
2. Use of comparable Inuit indicators developed by the National Inuit Steering Committee
3. Information on the outcome(s) that were identified as goals for the project
4. Dissemination of information at the regional and/or community level
Principles of National Inuit Evaluation
1. An Inuit specific national evaluation will be conducted
2. Will be designed, completed and disseminated by Inuit in a participatory process
3. Will include building capacity and knowledge in evaluation for Inuit from all regions.
4. Will feedback useful program building information at interim intervals as well as at the conclusion
Communications Plan
In order for this strategy to be successful, a comprehensive communications plan also has to be developed and
implemented. The communication strategy will report to all Canadians on the outcomes of the National Inuit Youth Suicide
Prevention Strategy.
The communication strategy will ensure that all information is available according to regional language policy and needs and
can include English, French and Inuktitut. Information dissemination will be in written and/or oral format as appropriate.
Inuit specific public awareness campaigns must be Inuit driven and highlight positive activities and spread positive messages
in an effort to contribute to wellness.
Inuit want to be networked across the north: working with and learning from our partners in the development of a shared long
term planning component. We will assist in facilitating discussions at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Conclusion and next steps
The Inuusiqatsiarniq strategy is the result of a series of ongoing discussions, consultation and meetings with Inuit and other
partners. The principles, goals, objectives and overall spirit of the document reflect the Inuit desire to move towards
Inuusiqatsiarniq for all. The submission of this document represents our request for the Government of Canada to support
Inuit and Inuit communities in the activities described throughout the strategy.
We look forward to working with communities, governments and countless other partners in achieving tangible, life-affirming
results.
Through our participation in the National Inuit Steering Committee, Inuit will continue to build on our relationship with Health
Canada’s First Nations & Inuit Health Branch and contribute to the effective implementation of this Strategy.
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