A hub for the community

Personnel at the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre (QHRC) dreamed of establishing a centralized hub for organizations delivering programs and services supporting families in Iqaluit. Many of those organizations were scattered in different locations around Iqaluit and were struggling with leasing agreements for space and other operational costs.

Years of fundraising, including financial support from federal, territorial, and private sector partners, including CanNor and the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, helped make that dream a reality with the creation of the Inuusirvik Community Wellness Hub. Inuusirvik, meaning "a place for being well and living a good life," addressed an infrastructure gap for mental health and wellness services in Iqaluit. It brought together land-based programs, Inuit counselling services, daycare, and suicide prevention services, all under one roof.

Since it opened on November 30, 2023, thousands of people have visited the building to attend programming or inquire about services. Among the gatherings and programs delivered by both Qaujigiartiit and other non-profits include fish preparation, sealskin preparation, graduate training for Nunavut students, land-based skills for women, Inunnguiniq courses for frontline service providers, Makimautiksat courses for high school youth, and more.

In May 2024, the Tasiuqtigiit Hand-in-Hand Society opened their daycare in the facility.

"We have had students, learners and community members from across Nunavut and as far away as Greenland come and attend programs and courses in the Inuusirvik Community Wellness Hub," said Dr. Gwen Healey Akearok, Executive and Scientific Director of Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre.

While the work inside the building is most important, the building itself has also earned special recognition. In 2023, the Hub received the Canadian Architect Award of Merit. It received praise for its innovative, economical approach and for including Inuit cultural elements in its design.

CanNor is proud to support innovative projects like the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre that recognize gaps in community services and infrastructure, and use innovative, culturally relevant and community-focused solutions to improve services and programming for all residents.