Our vision, mission
and values

1995

Then, in 1995, in response to growing needs in the region and the desire for a culturally sensitive program, Makivvik and Johnny Adams, the mayor of the northern village of Kuujjuaq, joined forces to create a community-based organization in Kuujjuatuqa (Old Chimo).

Thanks to the expertise and dedication of Dr. Thomas Gordon Brown and his team at Pavillon Foster, an English-language program specializing in addictions was created. This program was available to Kuujjuamiut only and in an outpatient setting.

Still in 1995, Isuarsivik launched a community logo contest to define the name of our organization and its visual identity. The artwork of Kuujjuamiuk Alec Gordon was selected for the true meaning of its logo, which depicted a pussy willow (avaalaqiak). The pussy willow is one of the strongest plants of the arctic and can survive the harshest elements of weather even if it sits on the tree line or tundra. It symbolizes resiliency. Since the willow renews itself and regrows every year in all parts of Nunavik, it became clear for our organization that we needed to associate this resilient bud with the life of people of the land who want to be reborn or to start afresh from vicious circle linked to addiction and trauma.

1998

As the years passed, it became increasingly clear to the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and Makivvik Corporation that Isuarsivik’s services were needed for people across the region.

It was time to provide more services to people dealing with substance abuse in Nunavik. In 1998, Isuarsivik agreed to open its residential program for all JBNQA beneficiaries struggling with substance abuse.

2006

In the early 2000s, Isuarsivik faced several challenges with organizational and financial challenges. But in 2006, a new leadership reinvigorated Isuarsivik’s mandate.

The volunteer Board of Directors decided to invest in developing a distinct approach to substance abuse rehabilitation. They built on the experience of a group of dedicated professionals and community-based volunteers from Nunavik and together, designed a custom-made healing program based on Inuit values addressing Inuit-specific traumas and complemented by best practices in the field of addictions.

2016

In 2016, Isuarsivik Treatment Centre became Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre and its Board of Directors adopted a Development Plan in response to the growing needs and priorities identified by the Inuit of Nunavik.

The plan called for the construction of a new building to increase its capacity to welcome guests and allow for the delivery of new in-house programs and services, especially for families and pregnant women. In parallel, the continued care services were developed to provide community-based support for people across the region.

Thanks to the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, the Kativik Regional Government and Makivvik Corporation, Isuarsivik was able to realize its global $43.5M construction project with the financial contribution of the Government of Canada – from both Infrastructure Canada and Indigenous Services Canada – and the Quebec Government.

2019

In 2019, Isuarsivik celebrated its 24^th anniversary with several milestones:

• the groundbreaking of the new facility and access road construction,
• the construction of a first fourplex for staff, and
• the revamping of its branding to beautify and modernize the original art.

2020

In 2020, the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 harmed Isuarsivik’s services and construction project timeline and funding.

Once again, the Isuarsivik family showed resiliency and flexibility to adapt and secure additional funding to kick off the construction of the new facility in 2021.

2022

In early 2022, Isuarsivik launched one of the largest recruitment campaigns in Nunavik, under the tagline ‘Ilaugitsi’. This successful campaign gathered over 200 candidates and filled more than 25 vacant positions that were necessary to offer the new services in the enlarged installation.

In October, Mattiusi Iyaituk and Benjamin Isaac finalized the work on the qullialuk

In December, Isuarsivik moved into its new building and got the keys for two additional staff fourplexes.

2023

The year 2023 was  a significant milestone for Isuarsivik with the opening of the new Centre, the major growth of the team and a few moving events.

In January, Isuarsivik staff were introduced to their new workplace, and they onboarded over 25 new employees through an inclusive and complete training approach.

Two additional fourplexes for staff were completed enabling staff to access 8 new fully furnished apartments.

In April, the first in-house recovery program at the new Centre welcomed 22 guests as part of a pilot-cycle.

Later in May, Isuarsivik received the Qmentum Accreditation Award with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.

In the Summer, Isuarsivik hosted its first Regional Open House for the public and welcomed more than 40 guests in its Centre as part of Ungammuatuq, the conference on substance use in Nunavik.

In September, Isuarsivik welcomed regional, provincial and national dignitaries as part of the National Grand Opening where the new anthem, Tasiulaurluk, by Beatrice Deer with Juurini, Kathy Snowball and Sylvia Cloutier was unveiled.

In October, the Referral Network Open House was a great opportunity for all front line and referral workers and JBNQA beneficiaries to learn about Isuarsivik’s services and processes. The event was held at the Kuujjuaq Forum, and online presentations were available through Zoom.

2024

The year 2024 started strong with the first official visit of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada to the Centre.

In February, Isuarsivik held the first edition of the Pingngupaa Tour and the Sober Event in Kuujjuaq on the last day of the Challenge. The Pingngupaa Tour was a pivotal development for the Challenge involving Isuarsivik’s counseling team who traveled in 10 communities to facilitate counselling activities and walk-in sessions aimed at addressing the roots of addictions. In collaboration with Statera, the Sober Event attracted approximately 70 attendees and featured live music, games, and prizes.

2025

Isuarsivik celebrates 30 years of healing through culture in Nunavik!

This anniversary marks three decades of growth, connection, and healing with communities, our staff and our guests since 1995. To celebrate this milestone, we’re unveiling a refreshed logo featuring a golden ribbon in the shape of the number “3”, next to our original logo, a special and temporary addition exclusive to this year’s branding. Several initiatives are being launched to create a lasting legacy that reflects 30 years of pioneering the decolonization and recovery journey in Nunavik.