Testimonies
As a social worker, I am grateful to be given the opportunity to play a small role in repairing some of the harms done to Inuit communities.
I try, to the best of my abilities, to offer an open and compassionate environment for Inuit youth and their families. As of the get go, I needed to adapt my approach and adjust to the social norms. I allow Inuit culture to guide me and teach me to work differently. This is extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally.
The advantage of working in a remote location includes cold winter nights spent chasing the northern lights (aurora borealis), and experiencing numerous camping and outdoor adventures.
It’s Nunavummiuts who greet you with a smile and, eventually, upon your return from vacation, they will say: “Welcome home.” It’s the feeling of accomplishment after a consultation or the removal of an IV when you hear: “Thank you for everything that you’ve done.” It’s a gratitude like nothing I recall ever experiencing in the South.
If someone had told me a year ago that I would be working in Nunavik as an enlarged role nurse, I would not have believed them.
Today, as I begin my second year in the welcoming community of Kangiqsujuaq, one of the northern-most villages in Quebec, I cannot think of any other path better than this one.
Head for the north with confidence, the encounters and the accomplishment are well worth it.
The unique and amazing thing is that I work in an environment that is untouched by its serenity and beauty. It is a privilege to go out "on the land" and hear yourself think with such clarity and be touched by the stillness.
The reward I receive is to have a career working with the youth in this region and to try to make a difference.
I have seen youth that did not believe in themselves, that have gone from striving to thriving in some area in their lives. Continuing on in school to actually graduating. Leave us with tools to try another approach to their lives. To have a voice.
I find my work unique in that I get to work with Inuit and non-Inuit in one setting and throughout different departments within the organization and health and social services network.
Having been born and raised in my community of Kuujjuaq, I feel my sense of contribution to the health field is tangible and being the link between partners, community members and organization is rewarding and important to me.
The UTHC values that resonate with me are making sure the organization is culturally relevant to the clientele. Serving clients in their cultural context is utmost important for me.
My most rewarding experience working for UTHC was seeing managers, Department Directors and other personnel working to find a strategy during a community crises. All of the job experiences combined makes for a strong intervention when necessary.
The reason behind my 8 years of service for UTHC is my community. I enjoy caring for my friends, family, neighbors and fellow Kuujjuamiut by organizing medical appointments and making sure their health is cared for.
Working with nurses and doctors is also very interesting as I get to learn a lot about how the health system works.
I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and explore this beautiful and little known northern Quebec territory. As soon as I arrived, I fell in love with the Inuit culture, with these magnificent breathtaking landscapes, with the way of life, etc.
My open-mindedness and my great capacity of adaptation have certainly facilitated my integration and my ability to face the different challenges (personal and professional) that this enriching experience brings me.
When I first arrived in Kuujjuaq in early 1989, it was quite a shock! Winter was freezing, the days were very short but the landscape was so beautiful... I must say that I love winter!
I met the man of my life in 1997, Serge, a lab tech. We left Kuujjuaq in 1998 and came back in 2002... the call of the North! We felt very welcomed by the community, it was like coming home. I am a human resources advisor and Serge is an assistant manager in the medical laboratory. The work is very demanding but very rewarding! Our great capacity to adapt, open-mindedness and ability to multitask have been essential in facilitating our integration and longevity in this living and working environment, which is very different from what we can experience in the "South". Now, a few years away from retirement, we are proud to have contributed to the evolution of the services offered by the CSTU. For us, it is more than an experience, it is a large part of our life that we have spent in the North, what a great adventure!
When I first started, I thought I was going to work just for a little while. Little did I know, about 30 years later, I am still here!
Getting to know southerners and exchanging about our different cultures is definitely an aspect I enjoy about coming to work. What I enjoy most of my work as a secretary is assisting and being of aide when it comes to helping the health staff take care of my community.
I’ve been working for the hospital for 26 years and there is never a day that is the same as I always have new challenges that keep me on my feet.
What I enjoy the most of my job is taking part in a team where we are always on the road taking on challenge after challenge. Having the freedom of managing my own time and organizing my workspace as I want it to be is definitely wanted. The UTHC Christmas parties are also a lot of fun as we can mingle with all the different services and voice our accomplishments while having a good time.
UTHC has given me the tools to be able to provide a safe environment for children in need. My calling is to see kids progress and succeed in the many challenges they encounter.
There is nothing more rewarding than kids coming back to see our team with smiles and a thank you.
What keeps me going after 22 years of service is my dedicated team and our common goal of making a difference for the community.