'Suicide is not the answer': Nunavut teen's original song addresses territory's crisis

It's the first song he ever produced.

But instead of writing about younglove or teen angst, Gordon Kaniak isdelivering a positive message around something that plagues thehearts of many youth in Nunavut: suicide.

"Sometimes it's hard to survive but I'm alive. You may feel lonely but I'm here for you. Suicide is not the answer. Please don't do this 'cuz I care," sings Kaniak in a music video posted on Facebook.

The high school student in Kugluktuksays the song was inspired by his friends.

"I had a couple of friends that were feeling down at the time. I was kinda at that stage too so I decided to write that song," he said.

"I lost quite a few people to suicide, really close people."

The song, featured on the QaggiavuutSociety's Facebook page, has garnered thousands of views and dozens of shares.

"I try to let them know people care," said Kaniak, who said he hopes that his song will help lower the high suicide rate in the territory

In 2015, Nunavut's premier declared suicide a crisis in the territory. Inuit inNunavuttake their own lives at nearly 10times the rate of average Canadians. A 2012 study from Statistics Canada foundnearly a quarter of Inuit have had suicidal thoughts at one point in their lives.

• RELATED |Premier Peter Taptuna declares suicide a crisis in Nunavut
• RELATED |Inuit among groups at higher risk of suicidal thoughts, Statistics Canada

'A renaissance' of Inuit performing arts

Kaniakrecorded his song as part of theRed Wall sessions series started by the Qaggiavuut Society to help artists in the territory create a promotional video.

The society'sIqaluitoffice has a red wall, which became the venue for artists to record their songs.

"It's beenkindaamazing," saidKaniak.

"If you want to get a gig in music, you have to convince the person hiring you you're able to perform," said Ellen Hamilton, executive director at Qaggiavuut.

"An album is very polished and produced [but] venues are thinking yeah, I want to see a video of you."

He's an example of the incredible potential of our youth.- Ellen Hamilton

The society's mandate is to nurture and strengthen Inuit artists in Nunavut. It also advocatesfor a cultural and performing arts space.

"We're the only territory... without a performing arts space [in Canada]," said Hamilton.

• No performing arts centre in Nunavut means Inuit play rehearsals head South

But Hamilton says the territory is experiencing "a renaissance" of Inuit performing arts right now, with many youth like Kaniakpursuing their creative passions.

The attention he's been getting has inspiredKaniakto write more. Currently, he's working towards his first album, with around six songs already completed.

He's also completedthe society's teacher training program and plans to teachguitar and songwriting to children and youth in Kugluktuk.

"To us, he's an example of the incredible potential of our youth," said Hamilton.

If you are grappling with suicide in Nunavut,call the anonymous and confidentialKamatsiaqtut Help Line at(867) 979-3333 or (800) 265-3333.

You can also call the Kids Help Phone at1-800-668-6868to speak to a counsellor.

• Nunavut residents share 'remarkable' stories of suicide resilience
• Talking suicide in Nunavut: Helpline says listening can help heal