Two years ago in January, Aquilla Amaruq was at the height of his addiction to alcohol.
SA国际影视传媒淲e were drinking a lot, and I had way too much again,SA国际影视传媒� remembers the Baker Lake resident.
He went outside for a smoke, but due to his inebriated state, fell down the stairs and couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 get back up. With no gloves on, Amaruq passed out, hands freezing.
He was found by his youngest daughter.
SA国际影视传媒淭hat really affected us, me and my wife, and ISA国际影视传媒檓 sure it really affected her too, because she found me outside passed out, hands frozen,SA国际影视传媒� recalled Amaruq. SA国际影视传媒淭hat was a real wake-up call.SA国际影视传媒�
Sober since then, Amaruq and partner Darlene Nukik have now launched a healing, recovery and sobriety group in Baker Lake, titled in Inuktitut as 釖挜釖嬦悐釚呩憰. The group had its second meeting this month, with four community members attending.
SA国际影视传媒淲e see people struggling with addictions in Baker,SA国际影视传媒� said Amaruq. SA国际影视传媒淲e ourselves struggled with alcoholism. We just want to help them out, with our own struggles, help one another.SA国际影视传媒�
The pair are SA国际影视传媒渘ot certified counsellors or anything,SA国际影视传媒� but two residents who just want to help their community, especially in light of some of the challenges around accessing professional help. They also receive support from a mental health worker in B.C. named Sheila Vaughn, said Nukik, and they FaceTime with her during meetings.
SA国际影视传媒淲e know that a lot of people have tried a mental health nurse, but each time they go to their appointments, itSA国际影视传媒檚 a new nurse,SA国际影视传媒� said Nukik, referencing the turnover in the profession in the North. SA国际影视传媒淪o it gets frustrating to repeat why theySA国际影视传媒檙e there. This group, each time they come, they donSA国际影视传媒檛 have to repeat.SA国际影视传媒�
Those in the group meetings simply share their experiences and discuss their journeys. In the future, with funding or donations, Nukik hopes to involve activities beyond just meeting and talking.
SA国际影视传媒淲e just share our experiences with alcohol and encourage the others in the group or whoever shows up to talk about their addictions or problems,SA国际影视传媒� said Amaruq.
SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e permanent residents. WeSA国际影视传媒檙e not going anywhere. We just want to help our local Inuit. WeSA国际影视传媒檒l do what we can. We donSA国际影视传媒檛 have all the answers, but I feel like when we speak with the people that show up, that we can work together to find the answers to our problems.SA国际影视传媒�
