UTHC is proud to share highlights from the Women’s Wellness Workshops held in Kangiqsujuaq from November 25 to 27, 2025.
Ungava Tulattavik Health Center, in collaboration with community and regional partners, is proud to share highlights from the Women’s Wellness Workshops held in Kangiqsujuaq from November 25 to 27, 2025. The workshops were facilitated by Beatrice Deer, a well-known Inuk singer and wellness advocate, alongside Vanessa Luciani, a women’s wellness expert and personal trainer. The initiative was coordinated locally by Pasa Kristensen, Community Wellness Worker, with support from UTHC wellness staff.
The workshops aimed to encourage Inuit women to reclaim an active lifestyle by integrating physical activity, healthy eating, and body awareness into everyday routines. Sessions were offered free of charge, in Inuktitut and English, and designed to be inclusive of women of all ages, including Elders, new mothers, and women experiencing menopause.
Beatrice Deer, Inuk singer and wellness advocate, Vanessa Luciani, personal trainer, Emaayuilie Qisiiq, Kangiqsujuaq community Wellness Worker, and participants of the workshop (Lolly Saggiak, Molly Tukirqie, Christina Angma, elders Minnie Arngak and Jessica Arngak). Taken at the community gymnasium on the first day of the workshop.
Addressing a Growing Health Challenge
The workshops were developed in response to the growing epidemic of obesity and chronic disease in Nunavik, which has been linked to reduced physical activity and the increased availability of processed, sugary, and high-fat foods. Historically, Inuit led highly active lives supported by nutrient-rich country foods. As Inuit leader Zebedee Nungak noted in 2003, traditional life in the Arctic used to be a “holistic, natural gymnasium,” supporting physical vigor and overall well-being. Today, physical exercise has become less common, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
This project sought to reconnect participants with movement, nutrition, and self-care practices that are realistic, culturally relevant, and adaptable to home environments where access to facilities and programs is limited.
Workshop Highlights
Day 1 began with a noon-hour radio show on the local FM station, where Beatrice Deer and Vanessa Luciani discussed how to start and maintain a fitness journey. Later that day, participants aged 20 to 80 gathered at Qaggiq for a session focused on bodyweight exercises, balanced meals, and preparing healthy snacks using foods available at the local Co-op. Exercises were adapted for different mobility levels, ensuring Elders could participate safely and confidently.
Day 2 included a fitness session at the Qaggiq gym, where participants learned effective exercises with or without equipment. Participants received Beatrice Deer Band exercise bands in recognition of their participation. In the evening, a session at the Mianirsivik Family House focused on pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause care. Participants learned how to better support women through these life stages, with an emphasis on prevention, strength, and minimizing menopause symptoms.
Day 3 focused on movement and longevity, highlighting stretching and mobility to support healthy aging. The final session, “Essential Vitamins for a Healthy Lifestyle,” addressed not only physical health, but also healthy boundaries, compassion, healing, hope, and self-acceptance.
A Positive Impact
The overall experience of the Women’s Wellness Workshops was very positive. Participants expressed gratitude for the practical knowledge, encouragement, and culturally accessible approach shared throughout the three days.
By offering practical tools and encouragement, this project supported participants in reclaiming control over their physical health, reducing future health issues, and fostering a positive relationship with their bodies.