Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is investing $15M of the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund (ICIF) to support the renewal of Elders’ Care facilities in the territory.
NTI is focused on ensuring that an adequate number of Elder care facilities are established and maintained in Nunavut, including in the smaller communities. “To close the gap in Elders’ care, we must also maintain the capacity that we already have in Nunavut. This investment will help protect our existing capacity. It will also ensure that the facilities in Arviat, Gjoa Haven and Igloolik provide Inuit Elders with well-maintained places to call home” said NTI President Jeremy Tunraluk.
$5M will go towards the renewal of the Arviat Andy Aulatjut Centre (Elders’ Home), which was built in 1990. Among other things, this investment will make it possible for the Government of Nunavut (GN) to replace kitchen cabinets, flooring, siding, water tanks, fire alarm systems, HVAC pumps and refresh its paint.
NTI is also contributing $500,000 for the purpose of conducting building condition assessments of the more recent Continuing Care Centres in Gjoa Haven and Igloolik, taking a proactive approach to identify items that need replacement. The funding will also be used to conduct a feasibility study on potential expansions for these facilities. NTI and the GN will oversee these analyses together then jointly create a spending plan for the remaining $9.5M.
“The Department of Health is excited to collaborate with our partners at NTI to advance the Katujjiluta mandate of bringing Elder care closer to home.” said Minister of Health John Main. “This initiative reflects Piliriqatigiinniq, our shared commitment to ensuring Elders can receive the support and services they need within the territory, surrounded by family, culture, and familiarity. This investment not only strengthens our healthcare system but also reinforces our joint dedication to improving the quality of life for Elders and their families across the region.”
This investment strengthens NTI and GN collaboration for better Elders’ care, which will continue forward with our joint work to develop a long-term plan to build more Elder-care facilities and spaces in communities with the future population of Elders in mind; a commitment we made in Aging with Dignity – Elders and Seniors Strategy.