A new chapter opens to support the health and well-being of Indigenous youth in Quebec's far North

Thanks to generous donations, Minnie's Hope Social Pediatrics Center moves into a new building and launches additional health and social programs for the children and teens in Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik.

Minnie’s Hope, a child and family resource center nestled at the mouth of the Great Whale River in Nunavik, Quebec, opened the doors to its new environmentally sustainable building. This transformation, fueled by generous donations from BMO Financial Group and the Hewitt Foundation, $3 million and $2 million respectively, highlights the resilience and innovation of the Cree village of Whapmagoostui and the neighbouring Inuit village of Kuujjuaraapik.

Minnie’s Hope provides holistic pediatric care including therapeutic, social, and educational programs developed with the involvement of community members, including elders, to reflect the values and knowledge of the Cree and Inuit cultures. This unique partnership approach has made Minnie's Hope a Canadian leader in social pediatrics.

“Our children are at the heart of our future,” said Louisa Wynne, President of the Board of Directors of Minnie’s Hope. “The needs of the local children and families are considered in every decision we make. Minnie’s Hope strives to offer quality global care in a culturally safe manner. This new chapter guarantees our young people access to essential health and social services close to home, empowering them to grow with a deep sense of belonging while honouring and celebrating their rich cultural heritage.”

Expanding services to meet the growing needs of the region’s youth

Established in 2014, Minnie’s Hope has been a lifeline for numerous local families. The center’s new building, nearly twice as large as the original, now features an enhanced clinic area, a multi-purpose room for large group gatherings that transforms into a play area for children of all ages and a spacious and modern kitchen. The educational and social service professionals will add a few members to their team to better serve the growing number of children in both villages. Thanks to the new building and larger team, Minnie’s Hope can now meet the needs of 300 children and teens annually. This expansion represents a significant step forward in ensuring children and their families have access to the care and support they need.

Ten-year-old Legend Iserhoff uses the services at Minnies Hope and she gives the team five stars. “Minnie’s Hope helped me get through my eczema trauma. The therapists helped me come out to the world by being comfortable and not feeling ashamed.” To her therapists and teachers, Legend says, “Thank you for helping me conquer my anxiety.”

Legend and her dad Matthew Iserhoff

A model for Indigenous health and well-being

Minnie’s Hope offers a comprehensive range of services:

• Pediatric medical care: Developmental pediatrics, speech-language therapy, psychology services, and occupational therapy.
• Educational and therapeutic programs: Early childhood education, sand play, and art and music therapy.
• Community-focused programs: Prenatal and postnatal support, moms-and-tots’ activities, and after-school programs.
• Research: A research and teaching hub is in development to inspire similar initiatives across Canada.

Partnering for lasting change

“Our donation towards the construction of Minnie’s Hope’s new building and expansion of its programs and services is a reflection of BMO’s commitment to building an inclusive society that supports Indigenous Peoples,” said Grégoire Baillargeon, President of BMO Financial Group, Quebec. “By partnering with elders and community members, Minnie’s Hope, and The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, have created a welcoming place where children and families can access care and resources rooted in their culture, helping young people build a strong foundation for a bright future.”

“Minnie’s Hope embodies a remarkable partnership that blends Indigenous traditions with innovative care,” said Jim Hewitt, President and Chairman of the Hewitt Foundation. “By providing access to essential services, from education to health care, the center equips young people with the tools they need to thrive. Supporting transformative projects such as this one aligns with our mission to foster sustainable change for communities in Eastern Canada and the North.”

A vision for the future

Renée Vézina, President of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, emphasized the far-reaching impact of the center: “Philanthropy is more than financial contributions, it’s about investing in the strength and potential of communities. Minnie’s Hope stands as a shining example of how meaningful partnerships can drive change, foster healing, and empower future generations. Together, we’re building a foundation of hope and opportunity for families who need it most.”

Minnie’s Hope is more than a building—it’s a model for addressing systemic challenges facing Indigenous children and families, including overcrowding, mental health issues, and barriers to healthcare. By integrating traditional knowledge with innovative care, the center provides a path forward for communities seeking to support their youngest members.

The residents of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik came together a decade ago to create a non-profit organization to improve opportunities for their youth. The two communities have been supported by the pediatric specialists from numerous departments of The Montreal Children’s Hospital who are devoted to working in close partnership with families, elders and other community members.

"Over the past five years, the center has struggled due to lack of space and human resources," said Dr. Johanne Morel, pediatrician and former Director of the Northern and Indigenous Child Health Program at The Montreal Children’s Hospital and one of the founders of Minnie’s Hope. "Now that Minnie's Hope can rely on a stable source of funding, we are expanding our offering to provide a full range of services and assistance, including advocating for Indigenous children's rights."

Dr. Morel emphasized investing in early prevention yields significant long-term benefits, by promoting rehabilitation and mental well-being among vulnerable populations. Indigenous children in the North are no exception, highlighting the importance of tailored support for their unique needs.

We are grateful to Air Inuit, Battat, Bell Canada, Shamrock Technical Support, and Tanguay for their generous in-kind contributions.

NOTE: On January 21, the communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik came together to celebrate in style! The team from Minnie’s Hope, along with representatives from The Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Foundation, hosted a grand opening ceremony of the building packed with excitement. The day kicked off with music, a ribbon cutting that marked the official opening, and guided tours of the new center. The celebration wrapped up with a festive evening feast, bringing everyone together to share food, laughter, and pride in this incredible milestone.