The federal government says it has finalized a $41.7-million contribution agreement with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) for construction of the Nunavut Recovery Centre.
Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal made the announcement on Aug. 13, the final day of a week full of funding announcements across Nunavut, in advance of a federal election.
The Nunavut Recovery Centre will provide a range of treatment and healing interventions that will address substance abuse and trauma. It will be founded and developed based on Inuit cultural practices and values.
In August 2019, the same federal government said it was committing up to $47.5 million when then-minister of Indigenous Services Seamus OSA国际影视传媒橰egan visited Iqaluit, the final in a roster of federal dignitaries prior to the October 2019 election.
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SA国际影视传媒淣o one can work on their issues alone,SA国际影视传媒� said NTI President Aluki Kotierk, adding the Nunavut Recovery Centre presents an opportunity for Nunavummiut to recover from their addictions within territorial boundaries. SA国际影视传媒淥ur focus for the Nunavut Recovery Centre is to ensure it is grounded in Inuit language and culture, with strong linkages to community-based, on-the-land programming, that we prioritize Inuit workforce development and that supports continue for recovery and healing for Inuit in Nunavut.SA国际影视传媒�
Health Minister Lorne Kusugak added, SA国际影视传媒淭he Nunavut Recovery Centre will be built on treatment options available in the territory and weSA国际影视传媒檙e working in conjunction with the on-the-land programs running out of each of NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 regions, in-fact communities.SA国际影视传媒�
The Department of Health is committed to integrating cultural and clinical practices to help the healing journey of Nunavummiut, according to Kusugak.
SA国际影视传媒淭he people of Nunavut have strong ties to the land and to our culture SA国际影视传媒� by aligning with Inuit values and incorporating on-the-land programs with contemporary counselling techniques, (it) will increase peoples chances of success,SA国际影视传媒� Kusugak said.
The feasibility study outlines the need for a three-pillar approach, which is as follows:
Pillar 1: Enhanced community-based programming offering on-the-land healing camps and other in-community supports
Pillar 2: A recovery centre located in Nunavut to provide residential treatment and outpatient services
Pillar 3: Development of an Inuit workforce that can staff both on-the-land healing camps as well as the Nunavut Recovery Centre
The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation is providing $11.8 million to help fund the Inuit counselling component of the workforce development pillar. NTI is also providing a one-time $5 million contribution to ensure Inuit participation in program development for the Nunavut Recovery Centre
The Northern Affairs minister said itSA国际影视传媒檚 vital to support the growth of families and communities in the North.
SA国际影视传媒淭he recovery centre in Nunavut will allow for healing to take place on the land, and this centre will have Inuit culture and values at its core,SA国际影视传媒� said Vandal. SA国际影视传媒淭his investment is a commitment to empower a community-level response to the issues of mental health and substance abuse based on distinct Inuit cultural practices and values.SA国际影视传媒�
Construction is expected to begin at the start with next summerSA国际影视传媒檚 shipping season. The facility is expected to take two years to build, according to Kusugak.
