Published 12:14 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service There were 38 reported suicide attempts in Nunavut in 2025, tying the second-worst year on record in the territory. Last year, which saw an increase of six people who were reported as attempting to end their life compared to 2024, tied 2019 as the second-worst year for suicide attempts in Nunavut’s history. There were 45 such attempts recorded in 2013. “These figures reflect reported suicide incidents and should not be interpreted as the number of deaths by suicide,” said Charmaine Deogracias, communications manager for the Department of Health. To protect the privacy of smaller communities, the Department of Health does not distinguish between suicide attempts and deaths from suicide, according to Deogracias. Suicide was declared a crisis in Nunavut for a second time in June 2025 by the Department of Health and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated following an initial declaration in 2015. The increase in 2025 was isolated to the Qikiqtaaluk region, where 25 people attempted suicide in 2025, up from 17 in 2024. The Kivalliq region had 10 people try to end their lives in 2025 and three such incidents occurred in the Kitikmeot region last year. Both regions saw a decrease of one attempt from 2024. “Every suicide-related incident has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities,” Deogracias said. “While sharing this information supports transparency and public health planning, the Government of Nunavut remains committed to working with Inuit organizations, communities and partners to strengthen mental wellness initiatives, improve access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed supports and advance suicide prevention efforts across the territory.” In 2025, the Government of Nunavut committed to station 41 mental health professionals across the territory. The GN also said it would set up virtual counselling services, protect children facing abuse, create a men’s wellness program and build 3000 homes by 2030. Training for youth to counsel each other on their mental health, called peer-to-peer support, was a strategy one youth delegate to the Inuit Circumpolar Council called for in July. The Embrace Life Council said it was not available for an interview about why suicide attempts were increasing, because the organization wasn’t responsible for the Department of Health’s data collection. “These numbers don’t come from our organization,” said Cecile Guerin, executive director of the Embrace Life Council. The Embrace Life Council’s website says it supports teachers, front-line workers, and mental health care professionals to help prevent suicide. Historically, between 60 per cent and 90 per cent of suicide attempts in Nunavut are made by people under 30-years-old. The Department of Health did not provide an age breakdown for 2025. Requests for comment from the Representative of Children and Youth Nunavut went unanswered. In 2025, there were 28 male and 10 female suicide attempts, which is consistent with years past, as men generally account for a great proportion of these statistics. The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line offers anonymous and confidential telephone support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s available toll free at 1-800-265-3333, or at 979-3333 in Iqaluit. Hope for Wellness Help Line offers confidential counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 1-855-242-3310. Online, go to www.hopeforwellness.ca. The Healing by Talking Program is a free telephone counselling service provided by the GN’s Department of Health. Call 1-888-648-0070 or email healing@gov.nu.ca. Anyone in Canada who is struggling with such issues can call the national Suicide Crisis Helpline by dialling 9-8-8.
Nunavuts reported suicide attempts in 2025 tied for second-worst year on record
