Inuit Mental Wellness Action Plan a Tool for Arctic Regions

December 10, 2009 – Ottawa, ON – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, called for increased support for culturally relevant mental wellness programs and recognition of communities as the best resources for addressing mental wellness, as part of the launch today of the Alianait Inuit Mental Wellness Action Plan.

“We all have a responsibility for mental wellness. This plan provides solutions that work for Inuit. If we are to build healthy communities, we must work together, building partnerships among families, elders, youth, governments, health organizations and Inuit organizations with the ultimate goal of empowering Inuit to take control of their health and well-being,” said Simon.

“When someone is in distress, their first point of contact is the family. This plan provides the framework to help families and communities. The next step is to secure funds to put the framework into action.”

The plan was drafted by The Alianait Inuit-specific Mental Wellness Task Group, a multi-party committee including representatives from land claims organizations, territorial, provincial and federal governments and national Inuit organizations.

It outlines a series of goals for communities in each of the four Inuit regions (Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and the Inuvialuit region of the NWT). Those goals include ensuring a continuum of mental wellness programs encompassing traditional/cultural and clinical approaches; securing Inuit-specific data and research on mental wellness; training for mental health workers; and developing facilities that can offer diagnoses, treatment and after-care.

In an Inuit context, mental wellness refers to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness, as well as strong cultural identity. It encompasses mental health and mental illness and recognizes that suicide, violence, substance abuse and addictions are all inextricably linked.

“I am very pleased the Alianait Inuit Action Plan is being launched today,” said The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and MP for Nunavut.

“It is important that Inuit receive Inuit-specific services in mental health, mental illness, suicide prevention and substance abuse. I support the need for community and key organizations to work together to ensure Inuit have the resources they need to lead healthy lives.”

It is important to also acknowledge the work that is already being done, said Simon. “This plan will not replace that work. In this time of growing need, it is intended simply to provide recognition of the needs and secure more resources and assistance.”

Members of the Alianait Task Group will be working to promote the plan in their regions in the coming year and discussing implementation with community members.

To see a copy of the Alianait Inuit Mental Wellness Action plan in English, French or syllabics, visit www.itk.ca/publications