ᖃᕋᓴᐅᔭᒃᑯᑦ ᖃᒡᒋᖅ (VQ)

Read about our previous two mental wellness initiatives in Nunavut –

MAKING I-SPARX FLY IN NUNAVUT

Our team, in collaboration with the Gov. of NU, brought a mental wellness game called SPARX from New Zealand to Nunavut. Inuit youth said SPARX was helpful, but that it needed to feel more like home. So, with the help of youth and community members across Nunavut, the game was adapted for Inuit culture and called I(Inuit)-SPARX! The I-SPARX game teaches CBT-based skills, like problem-solving, dealing with negative thoughts, and relaxation, through fun challenges that help support Inuit youth mental wellness. 121 youth, from 16 communities across NU found the game to be helpful. It’s now available for free on request.

Click the image to check out the I-SPARX project website!

COVID-19 RESILIENCE PROJECT

Inuit youth and communities expressed the need for a study to better understand how the pandemic impacted their mental health and their families, to work together to support youth and families during periods of social isolation and lockdowns. Our team, collaborated with youth, Elders, and community members to listen to their stories and experiences during COVID-19. Together, we explored which tools and resources were most helpful during the lockdown and shared ideas on how to stay connected during hard times. This project helped guide future supports for Inuit youth and families facing periods of social isolation.

Click the image to check out the COVID-19 Resilience project website!