On March 13, 2024, the Honourable Margaret Nakashuk, Minister of Family Services announced the re-opening of Building 439 in Iqaluit, currently referred to as the Family Wellness Centre. To show our commitment to community, Family Services is encouraging Nunavummiut to contribute name suggestions for the updated space.

Formerly used as a girls’ group home, the Family Wellness Centre is equipped with bedrooms, programming areas, and office amenities, creating a platform for Family Resource Workers to engage with families. In urgent circumstances, this facility will offer a secure and nurturing environment for children. Additionally, the centre will host a supervised visitation program, enabling important visits between children in care and their parents or guardians. The new space will allow for further program development focused on supporting children and their families.

In celebration of the updated facility, Family Services is holding an Inuktitut naming contest. Nunavummiut are welcome to submit Inuktitut name suggestions that:

• Emphasize a focus on family wellness and alignment with the department’s vision.
• Supports the well-being of individuals and families.
• Supports services aimed at enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

A formal naming procedure involving Elders will be held once suggestions have been submitted. The winning submission will be awarded a gift card for $500.

Please submit ideas to FSCommunications@gov.nu.ca by April 30, 2024. Include the name suggestion as well as a short explanation of why this name should be considered.

For more information regarding the services provided at the Family Wellness Centre, please visit the Family Services webpage.