A community project encouraging healthy lifestyle habits
February 2025 – Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik
In an effort to address the challenges of substance abuse and promote healthier lifestyles, the village of Kangiqsujuaq has launched its first-ever Local Sober Challenge. Organized by the Wellness Workers of the Ungava Tulattavik Health Center (UTHC) and supported by several local organizations, including the Landholding, COOP, daycare, NV, and Mianirsivik Family House, the initiative brought together community members to foster sobriety and raise awareness about substance abuse.
This community-driven project, which ran throughout the month of February 2025, was born out of a meeting where local stakeholders identified the need for a safe and supportive space to discuss substance abuse and its impact on individuals and families. With the collaboration of UTHC and other organizations, the challenge aimed to create an alcohol-free environment where participants could connect, share stories, play games, and enjoy food in a sober setting.
Participants of the local sober challenge, invited speaker Inuk singer Beatrice Deer,
and Wellness workers Pasa Kristensen and Emmajuily Qisiiq
A Month of Sobriety, Support, and Shared Experiences
The Local Sober Challenge asked participants to commit to being sober for the entire month of February. In addition to their personal commitment, participants attended gatherings to share their experiences with alcohol abuse and how they managed to stay sober. The initiative also featured guest speakers, including experienced elders who shared their stories about the arrival of alcohol in the community and the challenges of living without a by-law to regulate alcohol distribution.
One of the key highlights of the program was the opportunity for participants to hear firsthand accounts of how alcohol abuse has affected individuals and families. Elders spoke openly, without judgment, about the dangerous impact of alcohol, emphasizing how it can have devastating effects on the entire community. Their messages were powerful and served as a reminder of the importance of sobriety.
A nurse from UTHC also participated, offering a broader perspective on substance abuse, explaining how alcohol-related issues are not just a local problem but a global one. The nurse discussed the unique challenges faced in the Inuit regions and in Quebec. This educational component was instrumental in raising awareness and fostering understanding about the complexities of substance abuse in the community.
Strengthening the Community and Promoting Health
The sober challenge was more than just about staying alcohol-free—it was about building a stronger, healthier community. The activities, which took place twice a week, offered a space for connection and support. Participants had the opportunity to bond with one another, share stories, and engage in positive, sober activities. The initiative provided a much-needed break from the challenges of winter, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Uttuqie Arnaituk, a participant, expressed her appreciation for the activities held twice a week, as they gave her something to look forward to and allowed her to engage with others.
For Pasa Kristensen, a Wellness Worker at UTHC, the project was a meaningful success. "What I really liked about the local sober challenge project is having different age groups get together sharing their experiences and helping each other realize that life is better and healthier without alcohol," she said.
Emmajuilie Qisiiq, also a Wellness Worker, added, "It was good to have cooks for the group. It was also nice to hear positive comments from some of the participants. I was grateful for the speakers who came to speak about their journey to the group—we laughed, cried, and shared feelings together."
Looking to the Future
The success of this first sober challenge has sparked excitement about the possibility of repeating the project and expanding it to include more community members. There are also plans to introduce a family-oriented version of the challenge, encouraging parents and children to bond and support each other in their commitment to sobriety.
Gabrielle Boisvert, a home care nurse for UTHC, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: "This is really a good project for the community!"
Financial Support and Partnerships
The Local Sober Challenge received significant support from various partners, including the UTHC, NV (municipality), and the local Coop store. Kativik Ilirsarnilirinirq also provided the space for hosting the event free of charge.
Looking ahead, the municipal council has expressed interest in funding another similar project and is excited about the possibility of further strengthening the community's efforts toward promoting health and well-being.
The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and community involvement in addressing substance abuse, offering a hopeful example of how collective action can foster positive change in Kangiqsujuaq and beyond.
