Nunavut recovery centre breaks ground in Iqaluit
CBC
The first addictions and trauma treatment centre in Nunavut is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Leaders from various levels of government came out for a "tundra turning" to mark the occasion in Iqaluit on Monday.
"Today is a big day. Today is a huge step towards more culturally-safe and comprehensive mental health and addictions services for Nunavummiut," said Nunavut Health Minister John Main.
The treatment and recovery centre will cost a total of $83.7 million, with $42 million from the Government of Canada and $41.6 million from the Government of Nunavut.
Indigenous Services Canada will provide $9.7 million per year in annual funding to operate the centre.
The centre will be called Aqqusariaq, which means "a trail you go through to reach your destination," in Inuktitut, which is symbolic of a recovery journey, according to the Government of Nunavut.
"Aqqursariaq will be home to a comprehensive, culturally-sensitive and holistic approach to break the cycle of addiction and promote recovery," Main said.
It was also the first visit to Nunavut for federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, who took part in Monday's announcement.
"People cannot get better without help. It's very rare that people can recover without some form of help," Hajdu said.
Hajdu described Aqqusariaq as "a special place" that will help to heal people from across Nunavut.
"It will be a place that is designed by Inuit, for Inuit. A place where people can come and feel safe in the knowledge that they can health in a way that is familiar to them," she said.
The federal and territorial governments and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. first signed an agreement to build the centre in 2019.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. vice president Paul Irngaut said Inuit have called for a treatment centre for years.
"Without a treatment centre in the territory, many Inuit have had to support their family members, neighbours and co-workers."
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