Welta’sualule’k
Kiknu, which means “our home” in Mi’kmaq, is Nova Scotia’s first long term care home on a First Nation community. It is home to 48 community elders who will continue to be surrounded by Mi’kmaq culture and traditions.
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, 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.
Because Kiknu is licensed by the Department of Seniors and Long Term Care, there will be an application process before someone moves into the home. This can be coordinated through Continuing Care.
If a resident is assessed and needs the level of care offered at Kiknu, they will be offered a suite in the home. At that time, the team will work to ensure the resident and their family feel at home and are surrounded by things that bring joy. This includes:
- Asking questions to learn about physical and clinical needs, likes, dislikes and wishes.
- Help 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.
Philosophy of Service
Fundamental to Kiknu is the belief that residents who call it home will have a say in the care they receive. They will make their own decisions about their quality of life and well-being, including the kind of food served, the activities that take place and even overall operations. As much as possible, they will also receive care and service in their language of choice. This is called “resident-directed” care.
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.
MISSION
Kiknu is dedicated to providing holistic, safe, and loving long-term care that honors Indigenous culture, language, and traditions. We create an environment where residents feel honored, fostering their well-being through cultural connection, language preservation, and a commitment to their physical and emotional needs.
Community Consultation
Kiknu will be designed with space to welcome the greater community. A central gathering space will be available and act as a community hub, providing resources, programs and opportunities for engagement that will keep elders connected to their community. Some ideas being considered are having a community liaison, community partnerships and a regular newsletter.
A Partnership with Shannex
Shannex will act as an operating partner, alongside the First Nations community of Eskasoni, in the development of this new home. Shannex will manage the development of the home overseeing the construction, preparedness, operations and management. Eskasoni will collaborate on design, programming and staffing to ensure a care program and home environment is developed that reflects the values and attitudes of our greater community.
VISION
Kiknu envisions being a trailblazing Indigenous long-term care home, fostering cultural revitalization, holistic care, and community empowerment. We strive to create a loving environment where Indigenous elders and residents thrive, embracing their heritage, respected for their wisdom, cared for with dignity and surrounded by love.
Social Activities
There will be plenty of recreation and rehabilitation services for elders who live at Kiknu, including daily activities and programs, celebrations and physical activities that will be developed based on the preferences of residents. Mi’kmaq culture and traditions will be incorporated into all activities, such as singing, drumming, storytelling and gardening.
Building Design
Mi’kmaq culture has been a primary consideration in the building design, which is intended to reflect the art, crafts and ceremonies of the Mi’kmaq people blended with the safest and most advanced design for long term care. This includes a traditional building structure located on beautiful, landscaped grounds featuring a garden and/or a wigwam. Eskasoni family trees or clans will be featured on the walls, and a warm and inviting atmosphere with plenty of seating for both residents and visitors will be offered throughout the home.
Kiknu’s Values, are based on the 7 Sacred Mi’kmaq Teachings.
Wisdom
We honor wisdom by promoting lifelong learning, embracing the teachings of our elders, and valuing the knowledge and experiences of our residents and community.
Love
We cultivate a loving and compassionate environment, fostering deep connections, empathy, and kindness among our residents, families, and staff.
Respect
We treat everyone with respect, recognizing and honoring the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, their cultural identity, and their unique contributions.
Courage
We embody courage by advocating for the rights and well-being of our residents, challenging systemic barriers, and creating a safe space where voices are heard and valued.
Honesty
We uphold honesty by promoting open and transparent communication, building trust, and maintaining integrity in our relationships with residents, families, and the broader community.
Humility
We embrace humility by acknowledging that we are part of a larger interconnected web of life, valuing the wisdom of our ancestors and nurturing a sense of gratitude and humility in all that we do.
Truth
We seek truth by fostering a culture of authenticity, accountability, and continuous improvement, striving for excellence in our care practices, programs, and services.
These values guide our actions, decisions, and interactions at Kiknu, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that embraces the wisdom of the 7 Sacred Mi’kmaq Teachings.
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.