Memorial Trek to Kimmirut

A group of oncologists and nurses from Ottawa and Nunavut will be trekking the 120km Ittijagiaq Trail from Iqaluit to Kimmirut from August 9th to 18th. This trek is symbolic of the struggles faced by Nunavummiut and their loved ones with cancer and the difficult road to care that they face

The reason for this initiative goes back to December 2022 when we at the early stages of implementing an oncology clinical presence in Iqaluit. We were then asked to see a young robust Inuk man who was faced with an extremely aggressive cancer that required urgent treatment. His story, fears and struggles to have his family accompany him so far from home were eye opening for all of us involved. Unfortunately he passed away from his cancer but not without leaving an important mark on those who crossed paths with him and his family. His story and many others push us to want to improve on the current state, bring care closer to home and bring elements of home closer to care when individuals have no choice but to leave home.

Since 2022, many positive strides have been made in improving access to cancer care in Nunavut but there is still much work to be done.

Through our trek out on the land, we want to bring attention to the struggles faced by Nunavummiut in accessing cancer care but also bring attention to the collaborative work that has been moving things in the right direction. We want to highlight the importance of continuing these initiatives. We would want to leave funds and supplies in Kimmirut that will directly help Nunavummiut and their families. 100% of funds donated will be directed to the community. In doing so we want to honor his legacy and recognize his incredibly strong family who have agreed to share his story in the hopes in will benefit others and improve outcomes for Nunavummiut and their families who will battle cancer in the future.

Thank you in advance

Becky, Carolyn, Gordon and Marc