Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut – Multiple investigations are underway at the Naja Isabelle group home in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, after the tragic deaths of two young residents. The Nunavut minister of family services, Margaret Nakashuk, announced the deaths of a 12-year-old and a 19-year-old following “critical incidents” at the care home. Three people were hospitalized as a result, and two have tragically died. The RCMP is one of the agencies conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
The Nunavut coroner’s office confirmed the deaths of the two residents, with one passing away in Nunavut and the other outside of the territory. An investigation into these deaths and the surrounding circumstances is ongoing. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to move the remaining patients out of the home, as a third resident was also hospitalized due to the incidents.
The Department of Family Services has initiated a comprehensive investigation by hiring an external team to look into the facility’s practices and protocols. This comes in addition to the ongoing investigation by the RCMP and the involvement of the Representative for Children and Youth.
The Naja Isabelle Home provides care for children and adults under the age of 40 with specialized medical needs from across Nunavut. It is operated by the Pimakslirvik Corporation, under contract with the territory’s Department of Health and Social Services. The Chesterfield Inlet Development Corporation is the majority owner of the Pimakslirvik Corporation, according to its website.
Families connected to the incidents have been informed, and efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining residents at the care home. As the investigations continue, the authorities are focused on understanding the events leading up to the tragic deaths and making the necessary changes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.