Igloolik entrepreneur program looks to grow mental health and small businesses

In Nunavut, suicide has left a devastating impact on families and communities. And in Igloolik, a new program is working to give young men more support and new opportunities for the future. It's bringing them together to focus on mental health, build confidence, and explore starting their own businesses. Carl Cardinal has the story. Meet the Brotherhood of the Young and Hungry, it's a name reflecting the program's goal, bringing together youth who are hungry to learn. The new project includes community members aged 10 to 35 combining peer support and personal development with practical ways to earn money. But founder Curtis Sidebottom says it was launched to tackle something bigger. I created this group out of response of An epidemic of suicides and mental health issues in our community. Sidebottom says many youth are eager to work, but opportunities can be limited in the community. The program aims to help them turn their ideas into small businesses and create opportunities of their own. A lot of the young guys, they're hungry to work. They want to be busy. The issue is, is there's not a lot of structured employment up here, right? Curtis says the money earned from these businesses will go directly to the young people doing the work. And they're starting with some creative ideas. We're going to go harvest wood and we're going to build shacks and dog houses. Other ideas include snow shoveling, ice harvesting, recycling, and cleaning furniture with a steam cleaner. George Oksak says the AMLET is supporting the initiative by providing a space for the group to meet every Monday. He feels the community has a role to play in supporting young people. Thank you very much. We try to have something for them to do. We tend to neglect our youth, and when we have so much to do, we do our best to include them. We have to help our youth. We need to love them. For Curtis, the hope is that the group will give young men more than work experience. He wants them to see possibilities for their future. He hopes the initiative will continue to grow in Igloolik and inspire similar programs in other Nunavut communities. Carl Cardinal, CBC News, Iqaluit. There is help if you need it in English and in YouTube. You can call the Komatsi Aktut Helpline, the Embrace Life Council, or the Kids Help Phone. All those numbers are on your screen right now. For the Kids Help Phone, you can also text TALK to 686868.