HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council – Grief Care Packages
Communities in Nunavut are grappling with a devastating issue: a disproportionately high rate of suicides. These communities are experiencing a relentless cycle of loss, with one family tragedy following another. This unrelenting collective trauma leaves deep scars in the hearts of many Nunavut residents.
In remote northern regions, access to support can be limited. The Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council (IIKELC) is a non-profit organization established in 2004 that develops and distributes ‘grief care packages’ to extend support and aid to individuals and families who have endured significant life stress, such as suicide. Currently, IIKELC is working on assembling these ‘Grief Care Packages’ to reach families across the entire Territory.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) recognizes the importance of this endeavor and its potential to positively impact the mental health and well-being of Nunavut communities. In addition to financial support for creating materials to be included in the care packages, IRF funds will facilitate the development, printing, and translation of content for books, journals, mindfulness resources, labels and bookmarks. Funding will ensure the safe and timely delivery of care packages to communities in need.
This is a comprehensive, multi-year effort. IIKELC’s goal is to continue providing Grief Care Packages to at least 100 families annually over the next five years. These packages are carefully crafted to offer a sense of solace and support, including items that promote self-care, stress relief, relaxation and healing.
The profound impact of grief and recovery extends far beyond individual families; it affects entire communities. It can lead to complex grief and trauma, burnout, anger, depression, self-destructive behaviors, declining health, survivors’ guilt, despair, increased conflict, a sense of insecurity and isolation. Given the limited resources in many remote northern communities, providing access to reliable and consistent support during these challenging times can yield enduring and systemic positive outcomes.
IIKELC stands as a unique and essential nonprofit organization, working tirelessly to highlight and rebuild mental health support structures for individuals and families grappling with instances of suicide in the North. To learn more about their critical work, please visit their website.
In August 2023, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health named Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit “Best Community Organization for 2023” for being a champion of mental health and providing a great public service to community members.
Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay
