One year after launching Nourish for the Inuit Community in Ottawa, Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation (Wellspring), Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI), and The Ottawa Cancer Foundation (TOCF) are reflecting on the program’s impact and listening to Inuit participants to help shape its future.
Over the past year, the initiative has brought Inuit community members together through four seasonal gatherings focused on nutrition, food security, cancer support, culture, and community connection.
On September 25, participants and program partners gathered for Piliriqatigiiniq Reflection Day, a special evaluation and sharing session. Piliriqatigiiniq is one of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles and translates to “working together for a common cause.” This principle has guided the project since its inception and was reflected throughout the day’s conversations.
The session took place just days before Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect on the ongoing work required to build relationships grounded in respect, listening, and meaningful action.
Thirteen community members attended the session, including three Inuit Elders. In keeping with tradition, the gathering opened with the lighting of the Qulliq and a prayer led by an Elder and concluded with the extinguishing of the flame and a final prayer of thanks. Participants shared their experiences through facilitated discussions, individual interviews, and an arts-based activity, while an Inuk graphic recorder visually captured the program’s impact.
“An important part of this work is recognizing that we do not have all the answers,” said Judi Perry Brinkert, Project Lead for Wellspring. “The reflection day gave us an opportunity to listen to participants, learn from their experiences, and better understand how we can continue improving the program. We are grateful to everyone who has shared their knowledge and helped guide this work.”
Nourish for the Inuit Community adapts Wellspring’s Nourish supportive cancer program through an Inuit lens. Developed through a partnership between Wellspring, TI, and TOCF, the program recognizes the importance of traditional and country foods, cultural identity, community connection, and self-determination in supporting health and well-being.
Feedback gathered during the reflection day highlighted how much participants valued the opportunity to come together as Inuit and have open conversations about cancer.
“One of the most important lessons from this first year is that culturally relevant cancer support must be developed with community, not simply for community,” said Amanda Smart, Chief Mission Officer for Wellspring. “The feedback and guidance we receive from Inuit participants will help strengthen the program and inform its continued evolution.”
The next Nourish for the Inuit Community gathering is planned for November 2026.
About Nourish for the Inuit Community
Nourish for the Inuit Community is a culturally adapted supportive cancer program designed to address the nutrition, food security, and community needs of Inuit living with cancer in Ottawa. The program combines Inuit knowledge, culturally relevant foods, and professionally led cancer support within a community-based setting.
The initiative is a partnership between Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Tungasuvvingat Inuit, and The Ottawa Cancer Foundation, with contributions from Inuit Elders and community members, an Inuit chef, food security experts, and healthcare professionals. The project has been made possible through collaboration and financial support from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation and Health Canada.
Wellspring is grateful to the Inuit Elders, Advisors, participants, and project partners whose leadership, knowledge, and experiences continue to guide this important work.