Tukisigiarvik: A Place to Find Understanding
If you ask someone what community means to them, you’ll likely get a unique answer from everyone who thinks about it. For some, it’s the place they live, or the social clubs they join. For others, it’s the culture, family and friends they surround themselves with. Nestled in the heart of Iqaluit stands Tukisigiarvik Centre, a pillar of community by all these definitions and more.
Stepping into Tukisigiarvik, you’re greeted with a warm smile and an offer of fresh coffee, tea, and bannock. The space is alive with the hum of chatter from the kitchen as staff prepare meals for visitors. Materials for craft programs, such as beads, skins, furs, and accompanying tools, are organized and stacked against a wall, ready and waiting. Photographs of program participants, from smiling faces holding fish caught with Elders, to women sewing kamiks, cooking traditional food, and laughing together adorn the walls.
For over 20 years, Tukisigiarvik has served as a safe space for residents in Iqaluit, providing support and fostering a sense of pride in Inuit culture. The name Tukisigiarvik means "a place to find understanding", and every aspect of the Centre embodies that sentiment.
To help meet community needs, Tukisigiarvik blends traditional knowledge with modern-day practice. Their on-the-land and cultural skills programming, led by Elders, are Tukisigiarvik’s most valued initiatives. Through trapping, fishing, and cultural tool-making, participants can learn traditional skills that have sustained Inuit for generations. Beyond these opportunities, Tukisigiarvik also offers a daily drop-in program that provides nutritional meals, often made with country food. All programs and services Tukisigiarvik provides are delivered in Inuktitut and are free of charge to participants.
Through its programs, Tukisigiarvik’s Elders share their knowledge and experience with participants wanting to learn traditional skills and connect with Inuit societal values. People reaching out to Tukisigiarvik sometimes struggle to engage with the broader community. To address this, Elder-Counsellors regularly visit the Baffin Correctional Centre, offering inmates a sense of community and cultural engagement. Gathering in groups of 20 to 30, participants receive guidance, counselling, and are reminded that they are not alone. Tukisigiarvik’s Elders counsel clients, helping maintain a connection to their shared culture. The Elders also provide emotional and cultural support by phone or video-conferencing to Inuit who are in similar circumstances in southern Canada.
As the world faced the threat of COVID-19, Tukisigiarvik’s work provided essential support and comfort during a time of uncertainty. The number of drop-in visits doubled during the two years most affected by the pandemic. Although the demand for their services grew to new heights, Tukisgiarvik continued to deliver. Many people found them to be an essential source of support during a period of unpredictability and isolation.
This year, Tukisgiarvik received Annauma’s very first Community Nominated Award. This $100,000 award is presented to a Nunavut-based nonprofit or charity recognized by their community for meeting needs over the past year.
In their submission, the nominator wrote, “Tukisigiarvik’s Elder-advisors called wellness and cultural skills development programs Iliqqusittigut Makigiarniq, literally meaning ‘Gaining strength through our culture. On a daily basis, they strengthen Inuit lives through cultural dignity, using skill development, Inuit Societal Values, and Inuit practices and methods. They are collaborators in the community.”
When Annauma announced Tukisigiarvik as the winning organization, the community agreed. “So happy to see this! Tukisigiarvik is so important to so many people.” Wrote one commenter, “Well deserved recognition ” stated another.
From left to right: Jacoposie Tiglik (Tukisigiarvik), Nash Sagiatook (Tukisigarvik), Dave Wilman (Tukisigiarvik), Danielle Gibbie (Annauma)
The impact of Tukisigiarvik’s work can be witnessed through its unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant, confident, and strongly connected community. Sharing traditional knowledge between Elders and younger generations ensures that Inuit traditions and values are preserved and put into practice. Engaging in shared meals and activities creates an environment where individuals can engage and form meaningful connections.
Tukisigiarvik is more than just a location; it’s a welcoming, trusted space that embraces people from all walks of life. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the programs, meet Elders, and foster new connections in Iqaluit. Come experience the welcoming atmosphere and friendly faces that make Tukisigiarvik so special to so many. There’s a seat waiting for you.
