Elder advice on action plan First of five consultations gathers Kivalliq Elders in Rankin Inlet

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Local Journalism Initiative Kivalliq

Kivalliq Elders shared messages of communication and honouring traditional Inuit knowledge at a gathering in Rankin Inlet the week of Feb. 20.

They were meeting to give their input on a Government of Nunavut Elder’s strategy.

Beth Brown, press secretary for Premier P.J. Akeeagok, relayed one Elder’s quote from the meetings that said, “I always think back. We have eyes; use our eyes. We have ears; use our ears. We have muscles; use our muscles. These are the three things we must use. The Elders back then, that life was the best because the only threat they had was the threat of starvation or sickness. When there was hardship, they would get together to talk – it is the only way to relieve hardship or heartache.”

The GN aims to develop a strategic action plan for Elders that will guide decision-making related to programming and service delivery so that Elders can live their last years with dignity and care, while being closer to family in Nunavut.

Last week, the first of five regional gatherings of Elders took place in Rankin Inlet. “Nunavummiut who are aging deserve to see improvements in their daily experience,” stated Akeeagok in a news release about the initiative. “This starts long before the need for specialized care. Guided by our Katujjiluta mandate, our government will work to ensure our parents and grandparents are able to age in comfort and safety at home.”

Other consultations are planned for the North Qikiqtaaluk, South Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot and Ottawa.

“While we work to open long-term care centres to bring our Elders home, we know there are also gaps in service and supports for our Elders who are here now,” stated Akeeagok. “This strategy will look to coordinate existing supports in communities and help Elders navigate programs and services delivered by the GN, Inuit organizations, municipalities and non-profits.”