Partners and community come together to celebrate Aqqusariaq

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Indigenous Services Canada

Nov 13, 2026, 16:35 ET

IQALUIT, NU, Nov. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Government of Nunavut's Department of Health (GN), Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) joined Elders, community members, project partners and invited guests to celebrate Aqqusariaq, Nunavut's new addictions and trauma recovery facility in Iqaluit.

The community celebration marked an important milestone for Aqqusariaq, recognizing the completion of construction and the transition toward programming and operations. The 24-bed facility will provide inpatient and outpatient addictions and trauma recovery services including counselling, on-the-land programming and aftercare for individuals and families. The event celebrated the many individuals, committees and organizations whose knowledge, dedication and collaboration helped bring this shared vision to life.

The event featured a special ceremony with territorial, Inuit and federal representatives, including the symbolic handover of the qulliq from the Culture and Lived Experience Advisory Committee (CLEAC) to the Inuit-led not-for-profit responsible for operating Aqqusariaq. Community members also had the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about the planning, design and cultural considerations that shaped its development.

Guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Elders, individuals with lived experience and community representatives, Aqqusariaq has been thoughtfully designed to reflect Inuit culture, language and ways of life. From its artwork and gathering spaces to its programming and connection to the land, every element reflects a commitment to creating a welcoming environment that supports healing, dignity and well-being.

Today's celebration marks an important milestone made possible through years of dedication and collaboration by the Department of Health, its committees and many partners. While we recognize this achievement, Aqqusariaq is not yet open to clients. Final preparations are underway before the Inuit-led not-for-profit established by NTI moves toward staffing the facility and finalizing the programs for delivery.

More information about the opening of Aqqusariaq and how to access services will be shared as operational preparations progress.

Quotes

"For many of us, the need for mental health and addictions care is deeply personal. I know all too well the effects these challenges can have on our lives and on the family and friends we love. Aqqusariaq represents years of work to bring more options for healing closer to home, rooted in our language, culture and connection to the land. I thank the Elders, the Culture and Lived Experience Advisory Committee and all the partners who have helped shape this place. My hope is that people who come here will feel understood and supported as they heal."

The Honourable Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster
Nunavut's Minister of Health

"For far too long, Inuit who need help with addictions and trauma have had to leave Nunavut, often leaving behind their families and the people who support them. Aqqusariaq brings us one step closer to changing that. This facility was shaped by Inuit, including Elders and people with lived experience, to make sure healing is grounded in our language, culture and Inuit ways of life. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard over the years to make this possible. Today is an important milestone, and we look forward to the day when Aqqusariaq can begin welcoming Nunavummiut who need these services."

Gloria Uluqsi
President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

"Through continued partnership with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we are helping create a foundation for culturally appropriate care that supports the health and well-being of Nunavummiut for generations to come. The Government of Canada is proud to support this Inuit-led approach to healing, one that recognizes the importance of culture, language, family and connection to the land."

Nunavut Member of Parliament Lori Idlout, on behalf of Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty.

Quick facts

  • Aqqusariaq is an Inuktitut term describing a trail you go through to reach your destination and is symbolic of a recovery journey. It was named by the Cultural and Lived Experience Advisory Committee, Aqqusariaq Development Team, and subject matter experts from across the territory.
  • The construction of Aqqusariaq stems from the work of the long-running, tripartite Nunavut Partnership Table on Health, where Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Government of Nunavut, and Indigenous Services Canada collaborate on shared health priorities in Nunavut. The leadership of this Table ensured that Aqqusariaq was an integral part of a system-wide three-pillar approach.
  • To date, ISC has provided more than $52.2 million towards the pre-capital design and planning, as well as the capital build of Aqqusariaq.
  • In 2025-26, the first year of operational funding was provided to the Government of Nunavut. For 2025-26 only, the total funding provided was $12,088,400 due to reprofiled funding. ISC's contribution towards the centre's operations is $9.7 million annually and ongoing.

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

For more information, media may contact: Livi McElrea, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, [email protected]; Charmaine Deogracias, Manager, Communications, Department of Health, 867-975-5712, [email protected]; Brodie Larocque, Assistant Director, Communications, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., 867-222-1863, [email protected]

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Indigenous Services Canada