ICC Health & Wellness Speaker Series- Week 4

This webinar recording is part of a six-week virtual speaker series featuring Inuit speakers and Inuit organizations from across Inuit Nunaat. The series highlights promising Inuit-led programs, services, and community-driven approaches that support the health and wellbeing of Inuit children and families. Formally established in 2019, Nunavingmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga is an Inuit-led organization redefining family services in Nunavik to ensure they genuinely reflect Inuit realities, values, and ancestral knowledge. Deeply rooted in culture and guided by the voices of Nunavimmiut, the organization is committed to strengthening families and nurturing future generations. Born from the vision of regional leaders and shaped through meaningful, community-driven consultations, it represents a unified movement to reclaim responsibility for the wellbeing of Inuit children and families. Nunavingmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga affirms a fundamental principle: Inuit must lead the decisions that shape their lives. From early childhood through adulthood, care, protection, and support must be grounded in culture, dignity, respect, and self-determination — ensuring that services are not only delivered in Inuit communities, but truly led by them. Our speakers from Nunavingmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga include Mina Beaulne and Dolly Mesher. Mina Beaulne Mina Beaulne's story is an inspiring testament to the power of local leadership and cultural dedication and I had the pleasure of meeting Mina last October at the Inuit Women's Summit in Sisimiut. Raised in Puvirnituq, Mina started her journey as an intervention worker at just 18 years old, showing a commitment to her community from a young age. Her work at the Inuulitsivik Health Centre's youth protection team highlighted her ability to listen deeply and engage with community needs effectively. Over a decade, Mina developed intervention plans that were not only strategic but also compassionate, ensuring that every child and family received the support they needed. Her deep understanding of the local child protection and social services system led her to a pivotal role as Advisor for Integrated Youth and Family Services in 2017. As Director of Nunavingmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga, she initiated a visionary 10-year Development Plan aiming to restore local responsibility for Inuit children's well-being. In recognition of her significant contributions, Mina was honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025, celebrating her efforts in uplifting Inuit women and girls and preserving Inuit culture. Her leadership continues to inspire and strengthen her community. Dolly Mesher Born in Kuujjuaq, Québec, Dorothy “Dolly” Mesher is a dedicated and respected Inuk leader committed to the well-being of her community. Named after her late grandmother, who graduated in Social Work in the 1990s, Dolly carries forward a strong legacy of service and care for others. In the late 2000s, Dolly’s mother graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Social Work—an achievement that inspired Dolly to pursue her own educational journey. A few years later, she returned to school while raising her children, working full-time, and remaining deeply involved in community outreach initiatives focused on suicide prevention, healing, and wellness. Since 2020, Dolly has gained extensive experience in addictions counselling and community services, particularly through her work at the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre. In 2024, she proudly earned her Certificate in Health and Social Services Management from McGill University. Recognized for her strong facilitation skills, Dolly is also known for her creativity and practical talents, including sewing and organizing community events. In 2024, she was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Nunavingmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga, an Inuit-led organization dedicated to reshaping family services in Nunavik in ways that honour Inuit values from the earliest moments of life through adulthood.