Minister Anandasangaree Announces Significant Investment in Iqaluit Elders Centre, Promising Enhanced Services and Cultural Preservation
Iqaluit, Nunavut – 2025-02-28, 15:59 EST – Today, Minister of Indigenous Services, Anya Anandasangaree, announced a significant federal investment in the Iqaluit Elders Centre, a vital hub for Inuit elders in the capital city of Nunavut. The announcement, made at a press conference held at the Centre itself, promises to enhance the facility’s capacity to provide comprehensive services and support to the community’s most respected members.
The investment, totaling $7.5 million over the next three years, is earmarked for several key areas, including:
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Expansion and Renovation: A significant portion of the funding will be dedicated to expanding the physical space of the Elders Centre. This includes the addition of a new wing to accommodate a dedicated healthcare area, expanded dining facilities, and improved accessibility features for elders with mobility challenges. The existing building will also undergo renovations to modernize the infrastructure and improve energy efficiency.
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Enhanced Programming and Activities: The investment will allow the Centre to significantly expand its programming and activities. These will include culturally relevant activities such as Inuktitut language classes, traditional Inuit arts and crafts workshops (including carving, sewing, and beading), and opportunities for intergenerational knowledge sharing with younger members of the community. Funding will also be allocated for outdoor activities like traditional hunting and fishing expeditions, organized with the elders’ physical capabilities in mind.
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Increased Healthcare Support: Recognizing the unique healthcare needs of elders, the investment includes funding for on-site healthcare professionals, including nurses and visiting specialists. This will allow the Centre to provide regular health check-ups, medication management, and access to mental health support services, reducing the need for elders to travel to hospitals or clinics.
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Nutritional Support and Food Security: Food security is a significant concern in Nunavut. The investment will support the Centre’s efforts to provide nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to the elders, including locally sourced foods like caribou, Arctic char, and berries. The Centre will also work to promote traditional food preparation and preservation techniques, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and cultural pride.
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Staff Training and Development: A portion of the funding will be dedicated to training and development opportunities for the Centre’s staff, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide culturally sensitive and effective care to the elders. This includes training in areas such as elder care, dementia support, and traditional Inuit healing practices.
Minister Anandasangaree emphasized the government’s commitment to reconciliation and to supporting the well-being of Indigenous communities. “Our elders are the keepers of our culture, our language, and our traditions,” she stated. “This investment in the Iqaluit Elders Centre is an investment in the future of Inuit culture and in the well-being of the elders who have dedicated their lives to preserving it.”
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered elders, community leaders, and staff of the Centre. Martha Qamaniq, the President of the Iqaluit Elders Centre Board, expressed her gratitude for the government’s support. “This funding will make a huge difference in the lives of our elders,” she said. “It will allow us to provide them with the care, support, and cultural connection they need to thrive and to pass on their wisdom to future generations.”
This investment builds upon previous federal commitments to improve infrastructure and services in Nunavut. It aligns with the government’s broader strategy to address the social determinants of health and to promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The government has also pledged to work closely with the Nunavut government and Inuit organizations to ensure that the funding is used effectively and that the needs of the community are met.
The project is expected to create several local jobs during the construction phase, further boosting the local economy. It is anticipated that the expanded and renovated Elders Centre will be fully operational by late 2027.
This investment in the Iqaluit Elders Centre marks a significant step forward in supporting the well-being of Inuit elders and in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nunavut. It underscores the importance of providing culturally appropriate and holistic care to elders and of recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of their communities.
Minister Anandasangaree announces investment in Iqaluit Elders Centre
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