About Us

I am the Director of Qupanuaq and also a pediatrician with public health training living and working in Iqaluit. I worked with ACYF to found Qupanuaq out of a strong conviction that achieving meaningful health outcomes for my patients involves addressing social and cultural determinants that shape health in Nunavut. I completed my medical school and pediatrics training at the University of Toronto and my Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and exploring the nuna.

I have called Nunavut home since 2002 and grew up in Mittimatalik and Iqaluit. As the Programs Manager at Qupanuaq, I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. I began my career with Qupanuaq in January 2023, and since then, I have been committed to managing and expanding programs that benefit the children in the Qikiqtaaluk region. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, practicing embroidery, and reading.

My name is Erica Loiselle, I am the Senior Service Coordinator for Qupanuaq. I lived in Pond Inlet, Nunavut for over two years where I worked in the child protection field. This led me to join the Qupanuaq program as I wanted to do more to advocate for the community and help address systemic issues within Nunavut. I have worked in the Social Work field with families, children and youth for over 10 years, I completed a Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Social Work at Memorial University of Newfoundland and I am currently completing my Masters of Social Work through Dalhousie University part-time. When I am not working, I enjoy my time doing anything outdoors and learning how to crochet.

I am Sheila Tikisha Papatsie, I was born and raised in Iqaluit, who also grew up in the foster care system. I am a Social Service Worker Diploma graduate, who started as a practicum student with ACYF-CFI now known as Qupanuaq and became a service coordinator after graduating in 2022. I am dedicated to my job and from past experiences and motivated to support Nunavummiut children. I enjoy crocheting, sewing and painting.

I am one of the Service Coordinators for Inuit Child First Initiative. The highlight of my role is helping Inuit children receive health, social and educational products, services and supports they need in order to thrive in life. I am originally from Arviat, but I have been living in Iqaluit since 2021. During my spare time, I enjoy fishing, sewing, and painting.

I currently live in Ottawa but grew up in Iqaluit. Before coming to Qupanuaq, I worked with Ottawa Health Services Network Inc (OHSNI) for 4 years helping families apply for CFI funding while in Ottawa for Medical Travel. I graduated from Carleton university in Neuroscience and mental health and second bachelor in psychology. I finished my masters in Experimental surgery from McGill University and Masters of Public health from University of Ottawa. I have two dogs and I absolutely love them. In my free time I food blog.

After coming to visit in 2015, I fell in love with the diversity and community-minded values entrenched in Nunavut. Since then I have worked to support children and youth in various capacities while ensuring all around me feel welcome and heard. When I am not busy working, I enjoy camping, hiking and harvesting berries and herbs for jelly in the summer, and supporting community events as a live audio technician and playing in the snow during the cooler seasons. With a positive attitude and sincere belief in the ability of those around me, I strive to see not just myself, but others be the difference we wish to see in our community.

After moving to Iqaluit in 2019 from my home country of Aotearoa/New Zealand, and having the fantastic opportunity to travel throughout Nunavut in my previous role as a workshop facilitator, the connections I made really cemented my passion for community work. Seeing so many amazing grassroots initiatives happening across the territory has inspired me to provide support wherever I can. As my educational background is in linguistics, I am also a strong supporter of language revitalisation. When I'm not working, I can often be found at bonfires, reading horror novels, or trying to teach myself a new language.

My name is Vanessa Sheetoga, I grew up in Whale Cove and moved to Iqaluit in 2017, I have been living in Iqaluit ever since. I am a Logistics & Procurement Officer with Qupanuaq. I have always wanted to contribute to working towards supporting children after seeing first hand what sort of obstacles are faced and are often preventable. Working with Qupanuaq has given me the opportunity to do so. I enjoy going for walks on the land or playing in the snow with my 2 huskies along with my husband.