Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we know in the NWT our people are struggling with mental health challenges. Just over 56 percent of people in the NWT rate themselves as mentally well; so that's people that are thinking good about themselves. Indigenous people, and particularly former RS residential school students and people that went to residential school rate themselves a little lower than that as being mentally well.
Mr. Speaker, this is heartbreaking. We know in the NWT we have high rates of smoking, poor diets and activity, and heavy drinking. And, Mr. Speaker, and all of these stem from the mental health issues. When we're not mentally well, we become unwell physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot separate our mind from our body. Our mind, body, and spirit are closer to our overall wellbeing, and we must give our communities the tools to take care of all these parts of themselves. We must nourish our mind to be in good working order for ourselves and our families and for our communities. There are many threats facing our communities. Our community members are turning to drug and alcohol, violent crimes, and they struggle with low selfesteem and mental health challenges.
Mr. Speaker, how do we lift up and empower people to become mentally strong and resilient? People who struggle with addictions can only recover by choice. People will only help themselves as much as they choose to. What can we do to empower people to choose well for themselves?
As a fallout of colonization, people are hesitant to trust from trusting the traditional way that have sustained ourselves for generation to trusting government services and programs. Trust is a big issue. Our residents need to know they are supported and cared for because many people feel alone.
Mr. Speaker, no one should feel alone, but this is what's happening today. Some of our people are suffering. They are fighting their battles silently and behind closed doors. I would like to see more programs and supports that help our residents get back to healthy mental balance. I will have questions for the Minister of health later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Dehcho. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
