CHESTERFIELD INLET, Nunavut – Multiple investigations are currently underway at the Naja Isabelle group home in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, following the deaths of two young residents. The tragic incidents occurred after “critical incidents” at the care home, according to Margaret Nakashuk, Nunavut’s minister of family services. Three people were hospitalized as a result of these incidents, with two of them sadly passing away.
The Nunavut coroner’s office confirmed that a 12-year-old died on Jan. 6 in Nunavut, while the 19-year-old passed away on Oct. 17, 2023, outside the territory. As a response, the territorial officials are working towards moving the rest of the patients out of the home. Furthermore, the department has hired an outside team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Nakashuk expressed deep sadness over the deaths and stated that families connected to the incidents have been informed. The Naja Isabelle Home provides care for children and adults under the age of 40 from across Nunavut with specialized medical needs, and it is operated by the Pimakslirvik Corporation under contract with the territory’s Department of Health and Social Services.
The CEO of Pimakslirvik Corporation, Marc Ippiak, expressed surprise at the minister’s statement and stated that the government of Nunavut has not given them the opportunity to review the investigation findings. He refrained from commenting further or confirming whether he had been contacted by the RCMP.
Additionally, the RCMP released a statement saying it is assisting with the investigation at the request of the territorial government. As the investigations proceed, the Nunavut government has contacted the Representative for Children and Youth and hired an outside legal team to investigate the quality of care provided at the facility.
The deaths at the Naja Isabelle group home are deeply troubling and have triggered multiple investigations to ensure the well-being of the residents. The profound impact of these incidents on the families and the community at large underscores the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.