Welta’sualule’k
Kiknu, meaning “our home”, was created in collaboration with and for the Eskasoni community and surrounding areas. It is Nova Scotia’s first long term care home on a First Nation, offering 48 suites to elders and older adults to live surrounded by Mi’kmaq culture, language, and traditions. Kiknu is a place where elders and older adults can remain deeply connected to their people, heritage, and land.
Lead with purpose at Kiknu
We’re hiring an Administrator to guide a home where Mi’kmaq traditions and compassionate care come together.
Join Kiknu, where compassionate care meets Mi’kmaq tradition.
We’re Hiring
At Kiknu, our team of Great People are immersed in the rich heritage of Eskasoni, surrounded by the warmth of Mi’kmaq culture and values.
As we embark on this journey together, we’re hiring qualified individuals who share our commitment to holistic elder care rooted in First Nations principles.
Kiknu Careers:
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Registered Nurses
- Continuing Care Assistants
- Hospitality Manager
Join Kiknu, where compassionate care meets Mi’kmaq tradition.
Information about Kiknu
Kiknu is a licensed long term care home with 48 private suites. This means, elders and residents who live at Kiknu will have needs that require 24-hour care supporting all activities of daily living, including nursing services, medication management and personal care.
How to become a resident at Kiknu
Kiknu is licensed by the Department of Seniors and Long Term Care. This means every resident must follow an application process before moving into the home. This can be coordinated through Continuing Care.
The application process includes an assessment to understand if the person requires the level of care offered at Kiknu.
Care and Services
Kiknu offers 24-hour care in private suites, with nursing, medication management, palliative care, and personal supports. Elders and residents enjoy amenities such as an on-site salon, laundry service, internet, and cable. Every detail is designed to ensure comfort, dignity, and cultural connection.
Before moving in
Once a placement at Kiknu is ofered, the care team will work with the resident and their loved ones to help them prepare for their new home. This includes:
- Asking questions to learn about physical and clinical needs, likes, dislikes and wishes.
- Helping with furniture, clothing, personal items, etc., you need to bring when you move in.
- Ensuring your room has the right equipment like a hospital bed, access to a nurse call system, accessible washroom, etc.
Quick Facts
Kiknu is Inspired by Turtle Island and designed in the shape of a turtle with a designated central gathering place for elders, family, and loved ones. There are a lot of interesting facts to discover about the community.
Rooted in Community Values
At Kiknu, care is guided by the wisdom of the community. Elders and other residents direct their own care and choose the activities and traditions that shape daily life. Services are offered in Mi’kmaq whenever possible, ensuring language and culture remain central. This is their home, reflecting Eskasoni’s values of respect, dignity, and belonging.
Services
This new home for elders will offer holistic health care and services that reflect First Nations culture, values and attitudes. It allows residents to live comfortably and with dignity. Kiknu will have private rooms and washrooms, 24-hour care and service by on-site health professionals, a designated space for palliative care, laundry service, an on-site salon/barber and internet and cable in each room.
A home for the Community
Kiknu is more than a nursing home; it is a community hub for Eskasoni. The central gathering space welcomes families and community members, offering programs, partnerships, and opportunities to stay connected. This is their home, built to strengthen bonds across generations.
Community Ownership and Collaboration
Kiknu is Nova Scotia’s first enhanced care home in a First Nations community. It was created by Eskasoni. The vision, spirit, and ownership of the home remain with Eskasoni, and Shannex supports as an operating partner.
Living Culture
Daily life at Kiknu is enriched by Mi’kmaq traditions, singing, drumming, storytelling, and gardening. Social activities and rehabilitation programs are shaped by elders’ preferences, keeping them active, connected, and fulfilled.
Designed by the Community
Inspired by Turtle Island, Kiknu is shaped like a turtle, with a central gathering place for elders, families, and loved ones. The building design incorporates Mi’kmaq art, crafts, and ceremonies, with Eskasoni family trees featured on the walls. Gardens, wigwams, and welcoming spaces make Kiknu feel like home for residents and visitors alike.
Kiknu’s Values are based on the 7 Sacred Teachings
Kiknu embodies wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, and truth. These teachings guide how elders, families, and team members live together in their home, honouring the knowledge and experiences of the Eskasoni people.
Looking for more Information?
If you have questions about Kiknu, please fill out the form below and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is your home. Friends, families and loved ones are welcome to visit you. This is also home to many other people and we ask that visitors respect others’ and their spaces.
Your safety and the safety of visitors is our priority. Entrance into the home is monitored 24/7. In the event of an emergency, we need to know who is in the building at all times and everyone will be asked to sign in and out at the front desk, this includes residents.
If you are planning on being out of the home for any reason, the person accompanying you will need to sign you out and make sure they are aware of your care needs, including any medications that need to be taken while you are away.
We know that quality food is important. We have worked with the community to incorporate traditional meals into the menu at Kiknu.