CHESTERFIELD INLET, Nunavut – Investigations are currently underway at the Naja Isabelle group home in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, following the deaths of two young residents. The Nunavut government and the RCMP are both conducting separate investigations into the “critical incidents” that led to the hospitalization and subsequent deaths of the two individuals.
Margaret Nakashuk, Nunavut’s minister of family services, expressed her deep concern over the tragic deaths and mentioned that an outside team has been hired to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incidents. The Nunavut coroner’s office confirmed that a 12-year-old died on Jan. 6 in Nunavut, and a 19-year-old passed away on Oct. 17, 2023, outside the territory. The coroner’s office is actively looking into both deaths and the circumstances surrounding them.
The Naja Isabelle Home, which is operated by the Pimakslirvik Corporation, takes care of children and adults under the age of 40 with specialized medical needs from across Nunavut. The CEO of Pimakslirvik Corporation, Marc Ippiak, expressed surprise at the minister’s statements and mentioned that they had not been given the opportunity to review the investigation findings. The government of Nunavut has requested the assistance of the RCMP in investigating the incidents, and they are committed to conducting a thorough examination of the care provided at the facility.
Additionally, the Nunavut Representative for Children and Youth, Jane Bates, revealed that there had been delays in reporting critical injuries and deaths at the group home to her office. The Department of Family Services has since improved its incident reporting structure, and they are working closely with Bates to address any concerns about the quality of care provided. Bates also emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications of involving the RCMP in the investigations.
The community and families connected to the incidents are eagerly awaiting the results of the investigations to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths at the Naja Isabelle group home. The Nunavut government is committed to ensuring thorough and transparent investigations to provide justice and closure to those affected.