NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (October 21, 2022) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has partnered with Indigenous Services Canada and Gahcho Kué Mine’s joint venture partners, De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds, to launch a new social innovation project, the Baby Bundle Program..
This project will connect families with support to give babies a strong start to life, with essential care items as well as information and resources to help parents and caregivers, including foster and adoptive families.
The free Baby Bundle Program seeks to address the needs of families in a creative and effective way. Consistent information and support before a baby is born helps to prevent pregnancy complications, supports the baby’s health, and fosters positive early childhood development and the building blocks for lifelong health.
Parents and caregivers will receive the baby bundle between their 30th and32ndweek prenatal visit. Or they can access them within the first six months of the baby’s life, as items are specific to this age range. Each bundle includes more than 35 items for newborns and parents, with items like Vitamin D drops, diapers and a diaper bag, baby clothes, a resource package, children’s books, and more.
For more information about the bundles please visit www.gov.nt.ca/babybundle.
“Research tells us that the first few days, months, and years of a child’s life are an important time to establish a foundation for lifelong health and well-being. The Baby Bundle Program demonstrates our government’s commitment to pursuing the best possible outcomes for children in these critical first years. I am proud of our investment in this program and in our partnership with De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds to bring these baby bundles to parents across the territory.”
- Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services
“The health and wellbeing of people living in the Northwest Territories, especially those in our partner communities, is a priority for Gahcho Kué Mine and the Baby Bundle Program provides new families throughout the NWT with the tools they need for a healthy start. We are proud to support an initiative that will provide lasting benefits as we strive towards building resilient livelihoods within thriving communities.”
- Lyndon Clark, General Manager, Gahcho Kué Mine
Quick facts
- The Baby Bundle Program was based on research findings, including a literature review and a scan of existing baby box programs, and was informed by community engagement with NWT parents and families.
- The Program seeks to realize a community vision where pregnancy and birth are celebrated and respected as integral to identity, cultural continuity, and connection to place.
- A pilot project took place between 2016-2020 in partnership with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Yellowknives Dene First Nations, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority – Fort Smith Region.
- With feedback from parents and caregivers on the pilot project, the Baby Bundle was refined to better meet their needs.
- Based on the average annual birth rate in the NWT, approximately 600 boxes will be distributed every calendar year for the next four years.
- Each Baby Bundle costs about $650.
- The Gahcho Kué Mine joint venture partners, De Beers and Mountain Province Diamonds are covering 45% of the funding. The GNWT is allocating the remainder through the federal Northern Wellness Agreement.
- Feedback on the Baby Bundle will be ongoing to further improve the program for parents and caregivers.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Jeremy Bird
Manager of Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034
