Saqijuq celebrates move to new Puvirnituq office
Organization devoted to traditional and cultural activities to promote cultural healing
Saqijuq staff pose outside the organization’s new office in Puvirnituq last week. It’s expanding the services provided by its on-the-land team. In the back from left to right: Aisa Surusilak, Paulusi Beaulne, James Napartuk and Juani Beaulne. In front from left to right: Amaly Sallualuk, Patricia Anne Amamatuak and Lindsay-Anne Uqaituk. (Photo courtesy of Saqijuq)
Updated on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET
A cultural and traditional programming organization in Puvirnituq is opening a new office that will enable it to expand its services.
Saqijuq provides two types of support. It operates mobile intervention teams in Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq for community members in crisis situations with an aim to mitigate the need for police intervention. The second is on-the-land cultural and traditional programming.
It already has offices in seven of Nunavik’s 14 northern villages but the new location in Puvirnituq — at 1061 Nialittalik St. — is more convenient for the organization’s needs, said Maude-Émilie Drolet, Saqijuq’s program development director.
“We really have our own place, where we have more autonomy on the hours we are open and the activities we can offer,” she said.
“That’s the main goal of having our own office. If our [on-the-land] teams go hunting and fishing, they will be able to cook after and give anything that is harvested back to the community members.”
The organization’s old office was located on the second floor of the Co-op store, which meant it could only be open during the store’s business hours. Visitors also had to go through the store to get to its offices on the second floor.
The new space also includes a fully equipped kitchen, office space, a washroom and an open area.
Saqijuq had a soft opening in mid-January, but had the official opening was last Tuesday. After the ribbon cutting, community members got a tour of the new building during which hundreds of raffle tickets were given away. The real party got going at lunch, with a prize giveaway and celebration at the Satuumavik Gymnasium.
Drolet said approximately 500 people came out to celebrate.
A total of six full-time educators make up the organization’s on-the-land team. They offer traditional and cultural activities to promote cultural healing.
“Any community member can participate in our activities,” said Drolet.
“It is really open to anyone who would like to learn a bit more, to feel supported and be part of a welcoming and safe environment.”
Correction: This article has been changed from its original version to correct the number of communities where Saqijuq has offices.
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