Creating a facility for Inuit-led, community centered resources and care for individuals and families across Nunavut

Aqqusariaq - Nunavut Recovery Center

Aqqusariaq means “a trail you go through to reach your destination” in the local Inuktitut language and represents the recovery journey. The Government of Nunavut wanted to develop a voluntary registered facility in support of this idea that would utilize a model of care developed by Inuit, for Inuit. They engaged our team of architects and building engineers to design the recovery center just north of Toonik Pond.

The two-story building has clinical spaces for outpatient counseling, group therapy, and intake and assessment. We gave particular attention to spaces hosting specific acuities such as generational trauma and addictions in two dedicated wings. We configured bedrooms for single or double occupant use with the ability to treat families who are staying together in a full suite. Group therapy, on-the-land programming, traditional ceremony areas, a youth lounge, and family visitation spaces are provided alongside culturally appropriate services including a skinning and butchering workshop, computer lab, and a vocational training program. The facility also includes an on-site daycare for children, a traditional crafting room, and a shared ceremony space.

Aqqusariaq promotes flexibility for different cohorts and treatment paths for all Nunavummiut, helping to keep families together and offering individual and family counseling.