2021
Children, Seniors and Social Development

Eric Minka is a social worker with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Currently located on the North Coast of Labrador in Hopedale, he is currently the only social worker in the area. He has a strong desire to help others, a commitment to his clients and given his connection to the community has no plans to leave the area anytime soon.

Mr. Minka moved to Hopedale in November of 2018. Since then, he has been part of small and larger teams with the department and community. His dedication to the remote community is strong as he goes above-and-beyond every day to ensure that the people of remote areas have access to services.

Mr. Minka has worked on many complex cases involving foster care, kinship, youth services and youth corrections while remaining calm and compassionate. His colleagues say he has even stepped in as a snowmobile technician for them when needed.

When social worker positions were vacant in nearby communities, he made many trips to Rigolet, Postville and Makkovik to ensure social work coverage in those areas. His devotion to the people of the area has also helped grow the relationship between the department and the Nunatsiavut Government.