Piguvalliajut Inuit Inosuttuit nipingit Inositsiaginnimut katiKatigellutik 2025
A Gathering Rooted in Culture, Connection, and Future Leadership
The Nunatsiavut Government (through our partners with ITK’s Inuit Research Network), in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Initiative, proudly hosted its first annual Growing Inuit Youth Voices in Health gathering. From November 4–6, 2025 (with travel days on Nov. 3 and 7), Inuit youth from across Nunatsiavut and Upper Lake Melville gathered in Goose Bay for a meaningful week of learning, cultural connection, and exploration of health careers. A core goal of the gathering was to encourage youth to see themselves reflected in health leadership while building confidence and belonging through culture.
Opening Day at Kinsmen Park
The week opened at Kinsmen Park, where youth, Elders, health professionals, and community leaders came together in a welcoming and culturally grounded environment. Youth helped set up Labrador tents with support from locally hired Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement—highlighting partnership and community strength from the very beginning. Logan Lyall, Mental Health and Addictions graduate, volunteered as the first youth speaker. His honest message, rooted in lived experience and hope, set a powerful and inspiring tone for the week ahead.
Elder Sharon Edmunds opened the gathering by lighting the Kullik, grounding the week in tradition. Throughout the day, participants discussed the Social Determinants of Inuit Health and emphasized the importance of culturally grounded care. Mental health supports were available onsite to ensure a safe environment during sensitive discussions to ensure participant wellbeing.
Celebrating Inuit Health Professionals
The day closed with a ceremony honouring Inuit health-care professionals, featuring a drum dancing performance by Samantha Newman and words of encouragement from Inuit leaders and Nunatsiavut Government staff.
Exploring Pathways in Health Education
Day two began at Pye Farm, followed by a tour of the Labrador Campus of Memorial University. Youth participated in hands-on learning experiences including touring the nursing lab, practicing life-saving skills using simulation mannequins, reconstructing a skeleton, and practicing removal of stitches and staples from simulated skin.
In the afternoon, youth visited the College of the North Atlantic, explored available health-care programs, and visited single and family residences—helping broaden the scope of opportunities available to them.
Wellness, Movement, and Closing Reflections
The final morning at the YMCA focused on physical wellness, including swimming, rock climbing, and a guided tour of the facility. The week concluded with discussions led by DHSD staff, who encouraged youth to explore health careers and support them in their interests and overall understanding of health and wellness.
Youth Voices: “Nothing for Us Without Us”
Youth emphasized the importance of Inuit language, culture, lived experience, and ongoing partnership in shaping health services. They expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with Elders, culture, and land, and for meaningful roles in decision-making. Their message was clear: solutions for Inuit youth must be shaped by youth.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
The Nunatsiavut Government extends sincere thanks to all partners (including ITK’s Inuit Research Network), Elders, speakers, and youth who made this gathering possible. The planning team was intentional not only in highlighting Inuit professionals in health careers, but also in hiring Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and supporting local Inuit businesses for catering and participant gifts. This gathering marks the beginning of what we hope will become an ongoing initiative—Growing Inuit Youth Voices in Health that is rooted in culture, strength, and vision.
