NWT Suicide Hot Spot, Says Federal Study

The NWT has one of the world’s highest per capita rates of suicidal behavior & it is underreported. A loss of control over destiny, devaluation of traditions & role models, inadequate education, cultural conditioning to think of suicide as “a most honorable” death & poor social interaction contribute to the high rate of suicidal behavior among natives. A brief profile of a typical suicide, some figures on the suicide-alcohol abuse link, & some possible solutions are discussed. (KM)