Nunavut celebrates Year of the Nurse and Midwife

Press Release

25 February 2020

This year, the Government of Nunavut (GN) is joining the World Health Organization in highlighting the contributions of those who serve to improve our health during the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

“Nurses and midwives are instrumental in shaping the care Nunavummiut receive. From front-line and emergency care, to public health and policy, they demonstrate a level of care, compassion and commitment that is unparalleled, and I sincerely thank them for their dedication,” said Minister of Health George Hickes.

At the Qikiqtani General Hospital and 24 community health centres, more than 300 nurses and 10 midwives work tirelessly to ensure Nunavummiut receive the best possible care.

In 2020, the Department of Health will showcase the contributions, diversity and history of nursing and midwifery in Nunavut, and honour people like Qapik Attagutsiak of Arctic Bay, a traditional Inuit midwife and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient. Attagutsiak delivered hundreds of babies in Nunavut and assisted in the creation of the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team and Medical Centre in Ottawa.

By telling these stories and highlighting the valuable role nurses and midwives play in our communities, the GN hopes to encourage more Nunavummiut to pursue a career in nursing or midwifery.

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Media Contact:
Chris Puglia
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5762
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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