(June 23, 2022, Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Inuit interested in attending or participating in events relating to Pope Francis’ visit to Canada to apologise for the legacy of residential schools are asked to register with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI).
NTI, Inuit Tapariit Kanatami and the other Inuit regions are working together to plan:
- Travel for Inuit to attend
- Opportunities for Inuit to speak with the Pope on their experiences
- Inuit cultural and spiritual ceremony
NTI is working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to help plan the visit.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded that spiritual violence was common in residential schools. Performances planned will demonstrate the strength and resilience of Inuit cultural and spiritual ceremony and the Inuit language.
NTI is aware leading up to the visit, the visit itself and afterwards may trigger emotional trauma from abuse for residential and day school survivors, their families and descendants. Please know that counselling services are available, including:
Residential School Survivors Help Line
1-866-866-925-4419
Inuit and First Nations Hope for Wellness
1-855-242-3310
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line
1-800-265-3333
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868 and type “TALK” to start talking to a counselor
Nunavut Victim Services
1-866-456-5216
Healing By Talking
IRS Counselling programs are available through:
Illisaqsivik 867-924-6565
Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre 867-645-2600
Tukisigiarvik Wellness Centre 867-979-2400
Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre 867-983-4670
For individual Community resource cards, visit http://www.inuusiq.com/.
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For further information:
Malaya Mikijuk
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
