Family support gets nod in name for new wellness centre

After receiving more than 30 submissions in a contest to name Iqaluit’s new family wellness centre, a winner has been chosen.

The centre, which opened earlier this year in Building 439, will be known as the Ilagiinniq Wellness Centre, the Department of Family Services announced Monday in a release.

Translated, the name means “family that supports each other.” It was suggested by Helen-Rose Sulurayok, who received a $500 gift card for her winning submission.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our elders for their invaluable wisdom and guidance in selecting the final name,” the release said.

“Their contributions have been crucial to this process.”

The centre is equipped with seven bedrooms, programming space, and office facilities to support children and their families.

Additionally, the facility provides a secure environment for children in urgent circumstances and without foster care placement. It also hosts a supervised visitation program for children in care and their families or guardians.

Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk announced the plan to open the wellness centre in March.

The building was previously used as a group home for girls.