2023-04-17 12:45:31
From the very first steps in the brand new building in Isuarsivik, visitors are struck by the friendly and warm atmosphere. The breathtaking view of the Koksoak River from almost every room in the center has something to do with it.
The director of Isuarsivik, Etua Snowball, emphasizes that the architecture of the building has been thought out to reconnect users with their ancestral land.
The views from our building are breathtaking. It is healing in itself to be in this environment. […] Many of our ancestors fished and hunted here. It’s important for our people to get closer to their roots
he explains.
Etua Snowball is very proud of this center completely dedicated to the well-being of Nunavik Inuit.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Felix Lebel
Other architectural details also recall traditional Inuit culture. This is particularly the case for group discussion rooms, which are rounded in shape, like an igloo.
When we are in a circle, we all face each other. We discuss and we get to the bottom of things. It’s something families used to do here
explains Etua Snowball.
A space in these rooms is also reserved for the “Qulliq”, the traditional stone lamp that once warmed families with melted animal fat.
A holistic approach
These nods to Inuit culture are not just aesthetic, however. The very nature of the center is to heal users by reconnecting with their traditional culture.
Isuarsivik specialists have set up healing workshops in nature, with hunting and fishing activities in particular.
Traditional tents have been set up to welcome users into nature during their healing journey.
Photo: Provided by Isuarsivik / Samuel Lagacé
These moments in nature will be combined with various therapies and discussions, followed by professionals mainly from the Inuit communities of the region.
Through this process, which lasts 6 to 8 weeks, the therapists want to tackle the various historical and personal traumas of users, rather than simply targeting a specific addiction.
It’s something you have to overcome and get to the source. […] This can be events like the slaughter of sled dogs, boarding schools. It is transferred from generation to generation
add Advantage Snowball.
Include family
The new center is more than just a place of treatment. It was designed as a living environment, which can accommodate not only the user, but his entire family.
Spacious rooms, a nursery and a classroom allow children to stay there.
Educators have been hired to teach the young people during their stay in Isuarsivik.
Photo: Provided by Isuarsivik / Samuel Lagacé
Support services to accompany the youngest members of the family are also available to them in case of need.
[…] People don’t like to leave their family behind to come for help”,”text”:”We consulted local people who have gone through a healing process. Many have stressed to us the importance of being accompanied by their loved ones.[…] People don’t like to leave their families behind to come and get help””>We consulted people from the region who went through a healing process. Many have stressed to us the importance of being accompanied by their loved ones. […] People don’t like to leave their families to come and get help
explains George Kauki, a coordinator of the assistance programs in Isuarsivik.
This inclusion is visibly appreciated by users. Most came with their families for this first week of official opening. In all, 22 people are staying there until June.
The Isuarsivik professionals will take advantage of these first weeks to analyze how the sessions work and how the care is organised.
We want to evaluate the programs, the results, the perception of users and employees. We want to adjust everything that needs to be. […] We want to adjust and offer even better services by next fall
add Advantage Snowball.
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