The Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women’s Association is launching the latest instalment of its ongoing Amautiit Community Survey Series. This month, Amautiit is conducting a survey to better understand and address the distinct risks and vulnerabilities faced by individuals in Nunavut due to discriminatory practices and policies.
Increasingly polarized politics inflame existing social, religious and cultural divides, making it challenging to address systemic issues collaboratively. Instances of racism and discrimination are increasing not just in Nunavut, but across Canada, setting back efforts to promote equity, inclusive practices, cross-cultural understanding and reconciliation.
This new survey series is an integral part of the organization’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination within the territory. The survey aims to contribute valuable insights that will inform Amautiit’s efforts to identify gaps or shortcomings in existing policies and programs. In particular, it focuses on the need to ensure the rights and dignity of all Nunavummiut, including arnait, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
With funding from the Department of Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the survey is part of an ongoing project aimed at examining the Nunavut Human Rights Act (HRA) to ensure it upholds principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination.
It aligns with the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. Launched on June 3, 2021 by the Government of Canada, the Pathway is a key component of a much broader effort to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, so that they are safe and free from violence, no matter where they live, work or travel. The Pathway also recognizes the need for ensuring food security in the North.
The Government of Canada has recognized that the legacy of federal policies, programs, regulations and laws, such as the Indian Act and residential schools, created and perpetuate systemic inequities for Indigenous Peoples, including marginalization, higher rates of illness, disability, suicide, food insecurity, poverty, and violence. These inequities have also impacted the rightful power and place of many Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, who were once treated with dignity and respect and who held important community roles as matriarchs, teachers, Knowledge Keepers, spiritual leaders and midwives.
Despite these inequities, Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people’s voices remain strong in their efforts to lead, promote, and advance the health, safety, security and well-being of their families and communities. Nowhere is this truer than in the work of Indigenous families, survivors and grassroots organizers, who, for decades, have called for an end to violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
The federal government has also recognized that Canada currently lacks the detailed statistical data that governments, public institutions, academics, and advocates need in order to make fully informed, evidence-based policy decisions and effectively address racial and social inequities. The Amautiit Community Survey Series addresses these challenges by supporting improved collection, training and use of disaggregated northern data as part of ongoing efforts to address these challenges. The survey’s outreach and engagement process will also connect with ongoing community-based and academic research into systemic barriers facing these diverse groups.
Amautiit’s April 2024 Community Survey, titled “Understanding the Unique Risks and Vulnerabilities of Nunavut” can be found here.
Completed surveys from Nunavut will be entered into a draw to win one of two $250 Northern or Coop gift cards! Your feedback matters, and this is our way of saying thank you for participating. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – submit your survey today!
All responses will be treated with confidentiality, and interviews can be conducted in Inuktitut upon request. To take part in the survey or for more information, please contact admin@amautiit.ca. Community groups, hamlets, businesses and civil society are encouraged to support in sharing this survey within their networks. Community support, input and participation is vital and is greatly appreciated.
For more information, visit the Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women’s Association web site at: https://amautiit.caListen to a summary of this article.