Social and Community Programs

A community-based organization dedicated to supporting elders in Iqaluit. This society operates the Iqaluit Elders Home and often organizes activities, gatherings, and programs for local seniors. They aim to enhance the quality of life for elders by providing cultural and recreational activities, meals or outreach programs, and a place for elders to socialize (sometimes called the Elders’ Qammaq or Qarmangat).

Services: They may host regular elder gatherings, sewing or crafting circles, traditional food events, and provide outreach to elders who need a check-in or help at home.

In Iqaluit, the Elders' Qammaq is a drop-in centre for Elders to socialize, join activities, and attend special events. It is open Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 4:00 pm. There are learning options like cooking club, workshops, and arts and crafts. Groups wanting to visit during Elders Programming must contact the City of of Iqaluit Recreation Reception and bring their own interpreter. (867) 979-5611

The Government of Nunavut and community organizations actively involve elders in cultural preservation and intergenerational programs. Department of Culture and Heritage often funds projects that hire elders to teach traditional skills (like sewing, carving, igloo-building, storytelling, and language) to younger generations. There are also regular Elder and Youth Conferences/Gatherings where elders travel to share knowledge with youth. How to participate: Keep an eye on local announcements. The Department of Culture & Heritage or Inuit organizations (like QIA – Qikiqtani Inuit Association) sometimes put out calls for elders to join programs or trips. You can contact the Culture and Heritage office in Iqaluit for information on any ongoing elder programs. Additionally, local groups like the Hunters and Trappers Organization or Iqaluit Inuit Societies might involve elders in teaching land skills to youth.

Under the Education Act, local District Education Authorities (DEA) may employ elders as classroom assistants or cultural instructors in schools. Elders (often called Inuktitut Ilinniarutijirii or cultural teachers) share Inuit language, traditional knowledge, and skills with students – for example, teaching traditional living skills, oral history, and giving guidance on Inuit values. This not only provides meaningful activity and a modest income for the elder, but greatly enriches the education of youth.

How to participate: If you are an elder interested in working with students, contact the Iqaluit District Education Authority or any local school principal. They often welcome elder volunteers or staff for cultural programs. The DEA can be reached through Inuksuk High School at 867-979-5281 (they can direct you to the DEA office contact). There may be a certification process for elders to be officially recognized, but the DEA will guide you through this.

The City of Iqaluit’s Recreation Department and various local organizations strive to include elders in community events. This can range from seniors’ exercise classes at the aquatic centre, elders’ luncheons, to holiday feasts and games nights for elders. Some churches and charities (like the Anglican Parish or Iqaluit Soup Kitchen) also host events or deliver free meals to elders.

How to find out: Contact the Recreation Department at 867-979-5616 to ask about any senior-specific programs or inclusive community events. You can also check bulletin boards at places like the elders’ centre, the hospital, or local grocery stores for flyers (for example, notices about Elders Day celebrations, sewing groups, or on-the-land trips for elders). Family members might consider signing up their elder relatives for events or volunteering to accompany them.

Adequate nutrition is important for elders. Iqaluit has a Food Bank (Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank) which can help those in need of food support – elders are welcome to access it if facing food insecurity. Additionally, the elders society or local volunteers may coordinate country food distribution, where traditional foods like caribou, fish, or seal are shared with elders.

How to access: The Iqaluit Food Bank operates on scheduled days (usually biweekly). Elders or their family can contact the Food Bank at 867-979-4863 for information on registration and pickup times. For country food distributions, listen to local radio or community Facebook pages – often announcements are made when there is country food available for elders (sometimes delivered to elders’ homes by volunteers).