GN and Sakku Investments sign contract to operate Kivalliq Long Term Care Centre

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut (May 1, 2024) – Today, the Government of Nunavut (GN) joined Sakku Investments Corporation, the development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, and their partner Embassy West Senior Living to celebrate the signing of a ten-year contract to operate the new Kivalliq Long-Term Care Centre in Rankin Inlet.

For the first time in Nunavut’s history, there will be a level-five long-term care facility operational in the territory. This top level of care supports Elders with significant health needs, including dementia, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive essential care within territory. The 24-bed centre is dedicated to embedding Inuit cultural practices in its programs, including offering country foods, traditional activities, language integration, and ensuring all areas of care respect Inuit heritage.

“The signing of this contract marks the beginning of the delivery of high-quality care at the long-term care centre here in Rankin Inlet and is a massive step forward in our ability to ensure aging with dignity becomes a reality,” said Minister of Health John Main. “I am proud to call Sakku Investments Corporation and Embassy West Senior Living partners in delivering care for Nunavut elders in our territory.”

“Sakku is honoured to have the opportunity to combine exceptional care with supports valued by Inuit Elders, including country food, communication in Inuktitut, traditional gatherings, and favourite pastimes,” said Sakku Investments Corporation President David Kakuktinniq.

Construction of the facility is a GN project and should wrap up by the end of summer 2024. The commissioning phase will follow, taking about three months. This allows the setup of staff operations, conducting operational readiness checks of building systems and equipment, all to ensure the safe admission of our Elders.