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About CREE BOARD OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES OF JAMES BAY/KUUJJUARAPIK
The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) operates a Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre (CMC) serving Kuujjuarapik and the adjacent Cree community of Whapmagoostui, providing 24/7 emergency and family medicine care to this remote northern Quebec community. Established under the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, the centre delivers front-line health and social services grounded in Cree cultural values across a territory comparable in size to France. Patients with complex or high-acuity needs may be transferred to the CBHSSJB's Chisasibi Regional Hospital or, for specialized care, to Montreal via the Northern Québec Module.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency and urgent care, Family medicine and general medicine, Home care services, Dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, root canals, crowns, orthodontics), Pharmacy services, Social work and psychosocial services, Youth health services (Uschiniichisuu), Adult health services for ages 30+ (Chishaayiiyuu), Child and youth protection services, Rehabilitation services for youth in difficulty, Harm reduction services including naloxone kit distribution, Injection equipment distribution, Community health worker support, Patient transfer coordination to Chisasibi Regional Hospital or Montreal.
Amenities
Permanent on-site medical staff
Pharmacy services on site
Social services and community worker support
Nearby accommodation available at Sinittavik Inn and the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec hotel for travelling patients and families
Call the CLSC line at 819-929-9090 before visiting if your situation is non-urgent — staff can help triage your needs and advise whether an in-person visit is required.
For serious or complex medical emergencies, be aware that higher-acuity care may require transfer to Chisasibi Regional Hospital or to Montreal; plan accordingly if you have family or caregiving responsibilities.
Bring any existing medications, health cards, and relevant medical history documentation, as access to outside specialist records can be limited in this remote setting.
If you are travelling to Kuujjuarapik to receive care or accompany a patient, arrange accommodation in advance — the Sinittavik Inn and the co-op hotel are the primary lodging options in the community.
Services are available in Cree and French; if you require English-language assistance, indicate this when you arrive or when calling ahead so staff can accommodate you.
What to Bring
Quebec Health Insurance Card (RAMQ) or equivalent provincial health card
Government-issued photo identification
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant past medical records or recent test results
Indigenous status card or band membership documentation if applicable
Emergency contact information for a family member or trusted person
Personal comfort items if a longer wait or observation period is possible
Cash or payment method for any non-covered services or travel costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Kuujjuarapik CMC and a full hospital?
The CBHSSJB Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre (CMC) in Kuujjuarapik/Whapmagoostui is a community-level health centre offering 24/7 emergency and family medicine, dental care, pharmacy, and social services. It is not a full regional hospital. For higher-acuity or specialized care, patients are transferred to the CBHSSJB's Chisasibi Regional Hospital or, when necessary, to Montreal via the Northern Québec Module.
Who does the Kuujjuarapik CMC serve?
The CMC serves both the Cree community of Whapmagoostui and the adjacent Inuit community of Kuujjuarapik. All community members are entitled to access health and social services regardless of background, and services are designed to reflect Cree cultural and traditional values.
How do I contact the health centre in Kuujjuarapik for urgent health concerns?
You can reach the CLSC health line for Kuujjuarapik at 819-929-9090. This line can help you determine whether an in-person visit is necessary or whether your concern can be addressed over the phone.
What happens if I need specialist care that is not available in Kuujjuarapik?
The CBHSSJB coordinates transfers for patients requiring services not available locally. Depending on the level of care needed, you may be transferred to Chisasibi Regional Hospital (the network's main referral hospital) or to Montreal via the Northern Québec Module (Module du Nord québécois). The centre's staff will manage the logistics of your transfer.
Are fly-in doctors and specialists available at the Kuujjuarapik CMC?
Yes. While the CMC has permanent medical staff on site, the CBHSSJB network also relies on fly-in physicians, nurses, and specialists to supplement local care. Availability of specific specialists may vary; contact the centre at 819-929-9090 for current service availability.
How do I get to Kuujjuarapik if I am travelling from outside the community for care?
Kuujjuarapik has no road connection to southern Quebec. The primary way to reach the community is by air through Kuujjuarapik Airport, with limited boat access during late summer. If you are travelling to accompany a patient or receive care, arrange flights in advance and confirm accommodation at the Sinittavik Inn or the co-op-administered hotel.