About Ankekuluk
Ankekuluk was created to support Inuit youth before crisis, through prevention, stability, and continuing care.
From Anke, our founder:
I founded Ankekuluk after over twenty years working as a registered nurse in Inuit communities. Throughout my career as a registered nurse (and I’m still nursing), I’ve witnessed how youth often confront isolation and interrupted schooling with minimal help. I’ve also seen the positive impact of consistent relationships, cultural grounding, and adults who stay connected with youth.
The name Ankekuluk comes from Elder Annie Ikkidluak. Near the end of her life, her family shared that she had called me her angel. After that, her daughter began calling me Ankekuluk, and the name gradually stayed. Our relationship was built through everyday moments and a deep sense of care. She once answered me “panik,” meaning daughter. That sense of belonging continues to guide this work.
Ankekuluk is a land‑based Inuit youth wellness program focused on prevention. Through structured time on the land, guidance from Elders, mentorship, and support after youth return home, we work to strengthen belonging and future pathways. This is not a one‑time intervention, but a commitment to walking alongside youth.
Inuit knowledge and community relationships guide the initiative, while leadership with experience in northern healthcare, education, youth programming, and land-based learning provides support.Shape
Land, mentorship, and community
The Ankekuluk secured Bluewater Lodge program site near Lewisporte, Newfoundland, provides a calm rural setting where youth can reconnect with land, culture, and community while building practical life skills.
Guided by Elders, educators, and experienced program leaders, youth participate in daily activities that foster responsibility, teamwork, confidence, and leadership.
The program emphasizes relationships between youth, mentors, Elders, and communities. We know these connections are essential for long-term well-being.
Our leadership and program team
Anke Krug
Anke Krug founded Ankekuluk after over twenty years working as a registered nurse alongside Inuit youth and families in the Qikiqtaaluk region of Nunavut.
She previously led a successful Jordan’s Principle program in Kimmirut following a community-led youth needs assessment. The initiative secured over $1.5 million and delivered a two-year school food program, winter gear for all children 18 and under, and beds and bedding for every youth in the community – meeting essential needs identified directly by youth and families.
In 2024, Anke received the Canadian Award of Excellence in Nursing in recognition of her leadership and impact in northern healthcare. The Ankekuluk Initiative builds on this experience, supporting youth before crisis with a community-driven approach to Inuit youth wellness.
While living and working in community, Elder Annie Ikkidluak gave Anke the name Ankekuluk. The name reflects care and welcome rooted in relationship, and that teaching continues to guide this work.
Joe Patterson
Joe Patterson brings over thirty years of experience working with Indigenous youth to the initiative. Mental health and wellness have always been a priority, and the work he performs with youth reflects this belief.
As Program Director, he designs and delivers Ankekuluk’s Experiential Activity –Based programming. Joe’s work centers on relationship‑based support. He guides the day‑to‑day program experience on the land while ensuring activities align with Ankekuluk’s proactive approach and commitment to ongoing care.
Joe has spent 20 years working with Saskatchewan Social Services, a decade of which was spent in a Cultural setting with Red Willow Centre – a residential assessment and stabilization centre where he completed comprehensive, holistic assessments for the youth.
It was here that he embraced the Cultural way of life and began working very closely with a Cree/Metis Elder both at work and in his personal life. During this time, he received the honour of being asked to become an Oscapios or Elder’s assistant. It was also here that he extensively practiced activity and adventure- based therapies utilizing tools like horses to perform Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
He also spent time working with organizations like Ranch Ehrlo in Saskatchewan and spent a considerable amount of time working on the Dakota Whitecap Reserve outside Saskatoon as the Recreation Coordinator, where he again had the opportunity to utilize activity and adventure-based therapies.
Ed Flynn
Ed Flynn brings over three decades of experience in education, including 29 years of teaching in Kimmirut, Nunavut. As Vice Chair, Ed serves as the conduit between Ankekuluk and the Northern education system.
He helps ensure that the school system recognizes learning experiences during the program and applies them toward high school credit, supporting youth to stay connected to education pathways during and after their time with Ankekuluk.
Michael Rowan
Michael Rowan served for many years as Chief Administrative Officer in several Nunavut communities, bringing deep knowledge of northern governance, infrastructure realities, and community operations.
He supports the Ankekuluk Initiative in financial planning, governance, and operational structure. He provides guidance on budgeting, funding strategy, and organizational development to help ensure the initiative grows in a sustainable and accountable way.
His role focuses on strengthening financial oversight, supporting long-term planning, and helping translate the initiative’s vision into a practical and responsible operational framework.
Enoosie Allen
Enoosie Allen is a lifelong resident of Kimmirut, Nunavut, and a dedicated teacher at Qaqqalik School. She’s passionate about her community and enjoys spending time on the land, baking, and beading in her free time.
Through her work with youth, Enoosie brings valuable insight into young people’s voices and perspectives to the Ankekuluk Initiative. She is proud to contribute to our work and is hopeful about its impact in supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders in her community.
Looking forward
We created Ankekuluk with a long-term vision: strengthening mental health and wellness for Inuit youth while supporting pathways into education, leadership, and meaningful work.
Through sustained mentorship and supportive programming, the initiative seeks to build lasting networks of confident, capable young people who remain connected to their communities and cultures.
Over time, youth who participate in Ankekuluk may return as mentors and leaders, strengthening knowledge, leadership, and support across generations.
