IQALUIT — Friends and community members in Iqaluit have launched a public fundraiser to cover the medical and housing costs required for John Amagoalik to spend his remaining days in Nunavut, after the territorial health department refused to fund the care he needs.
Why fundraising became necessary
Amagoalik, 78, widely regarded as the “Father of Nunavut” for his role in land claim negotiations that led to the territory’s creation, had been living at the Embassy West long-term care home in Ottawa following surgery that resulted in the partial amputation of one of his legs. He told friends he felt lonely in Ottawa and wanted to return to the territory he helped create. He returned to Nunavut in June with money raised by friends and family, but those funds are nearly exhausted.
An Iqaluit resident, Jessica Hale, who describes herself on the GoFundMe page as someone who cares deeply about social justice, created the online fundraiser on Sept. 18 with a target of $50,000. Organizers say that sum would cover roughly three months of the medical support and housing costs Mr. Amagoalik needs in Nunavut.
- Monthly care and housing costs: about $16,000
- GoFundMe target: $50,000 (about three months of costs)
- Amount raised as of Thursday morning: $2,600
“John Amagoalik dedicated more than 25 years of his life to creating Nunavut,”
The comment appears on the GoFundMe page and is being used by organizers to stress his role in the territory’s history as they appeal for donations.
Legal action and local advocacy
Amagoalik has filed a civil suit against the Government of Nunavut's Health Department, seeking a judicial review of its decision not to fund his care in the territory. His legal team has requested an urgent hearing. The specifics of the legal filings beyond the request for judicial review were not detailed in the fundraising announcement.
Supporters in Iqaluit include seniors advocate Anne Crawford, who is helping to coordinate fundraising efforts, and close friends and spokespeople. Steve Kelliher has been identified as a spokesperson and close friend involved with Amagoalik’s case. Another close friend, Mark Stiles, said people across the country have been calling to offer contributions.
“It’s an interim measure until the Government of Nunavut comes to its senses.”
Stiles called the GoFundMe an interim solution while he and others await a resolution from the territorial government.
Local consequences and wider questions
The situation raises immediate practical questions for Iqaluit and Nunavut about the cost and responsibility for supporting elders and prominent community leaders who require ongoing medical and housing supports. The monthly figure cited by organizers — about $16,000 — highlights gaps between what individuals and families can fundraise and the level of institutional support typically expected from a public health system.
For residents of Iqaluit, the case is likely to prompt conversations about the adequacy of services for seniors who return from southern care facilities, and about how the territory prioritizes funding for in-home medical support versus institutional care. The case also carries symbolic weight: Amagoalik’s role in Nunavut’s founding has made his desire to die in his homeland a matter of public interest.
As the GoFundMe campaign continues, organizers say donations are coming in from across Canada. The fundraiser had collected about $2,600 by Thursday morning, well short of the $50,000 target that organisers say would cover roughly three months of care.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated monthly care & housing | $16,000 |
| GoFundMe goal | $50,000 |
| Amount raised (as of Thursday morning) | $2,600 |
Local organizers and supporters are urging the Government of Nunavut to reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, family, friends and advocates in Iqaluit continue to rally resources to try to keep one of the territory’s founding figures at home in Nunavut.
