The aim of Inuusivut is to learn, document and share how Inuit across Canada perceive, express and develop mental health.

This project aims to develop capacity in Inuit communities by having youth directly explore issues related to mental health and to enable them to share their findings with their peers, families and communities.

It will support people in discussing issues related to mental health, and it will also contribute to a life affirming media campaign, where more opportunities will be created for youth and community members to share the successes that are occurring in our communities.

Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) is funding 5 National Demonstration projects in the area of Mental Health Promotion.  The Embrace Life Council, in partnership with the National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC) and other partners, submitted a proposal to FNIHB and was approved for funding to run a 2.5-year demonstration project (ending in March 2010), titled Inuusivut.  Four other demonstration projects are being funded across Canada. 

May 22, 2008

The Inuusivut project is acquiring and distributing multi-media equipment (Digital Cameras, Video Cameras, etc.) to Inuit communities across Canada for use in activities which help meet the objectives of the Inuusivut Project - to help Inuit youth to explore mental health issues and share with others.

If you are a part of a local group in your community who would like to receive some multi-media equipment to help youth promote mental health, please review and complete one of the following forms:

Equipment Use Contract (English)

Equipment Use Contract (Inuktitut)

Inuusivut News

June 2, 2008

August 4, 2008

Kids in Qamani'tuaq, aged 6-16, had the chance to learn skills in photography and film production this past week. 

With support from the Embrace Life Council's Inuusivut Project, the multi-media training was a part of a project to prevent sniffing and substance abuse.   The overall project is coordinated by Qamani'tuaq's Tunnganiq Addictions Centre, in partnership with the National Aboriginal Health Organization's Ajunnginiq Centre and the Canadian Institute of Child Health

August 22, 2008

Elders and Youth from each of the 7 communities across the Kitikmeot region participated in a Language and Culture Camp in Omingmaktok (Bay Chimo) and Hiraarvik from August 10-16.  Youth learned traditional skills such as sewing, tool making, hunting and meat/skin preparation.  Participants from across the region flew into Cambridge Bay, where a charter transported them to Bay Chimo.  Following a one day delay due to weather, the campers moved by boat from Bay Chimo to a camping site called Hiraarvik, a short distance away from Hiukaktak, a proposed conservation area in the Kitikmeot region.  Youth and Elders toured the proposed conservation area by helicopter and discussed traditional uses of the land.  Drum dances and singing was done on a few nights and campers took responsibilities in all areas of camp duty.  

An elderly woman demonstrated the lighting of a qulliq to the group, using only traditional materials and methods, and despite light winds outdoors, was successful in lighting the lamp.  Youth also received instruction in photography and video camera operation and assisted in documenting the whole camp experience through photography and film.  A camp slideshow, accompanied by drum songs, was completed and a video project is being edited using the footage obtained during the week.

November 11, 2008

November 11, 2008