Why a southern Quebec Inuit health survey? Summary of Qanuikkat Siqinirmiut
The number of Inuit living in southern cities is increasing, with just over 27% of the Inuit population (17,695) now residing outside the traditional territories of Inuit Nunangat. In Montreal, data from the 2016 Census show just under 1,000 Inuit live in Montreal, most of whom are from Nunavik, the Inuit territory of Northern Quebec. Our preliminary census work suggests the population is actually over 2,000. In contrast to northern communities, where systematic health surveys have been undertaken repeatedly since the 1980s, very little is known about the health of Inuit in the south. The development of health services for Inuit in the south has been limited by a near complete absence of data on the health of the population. This, along with other structural and political factors, renders the Inuit of the south invisible to southern and northern health authorities, which increases their vulnerability to social and health risks and exacerbates the already deep health and social inequalities they experience.
We are proposing a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach within a social determinants of Inuit health framework. The methods are contexualised in an Inuit conceptual model of health and healing based on three key concepts: Ilusiq, Qanuinngitsiarniq and Inuqatigitsiarniq which correspond approximately to bodily health, wellbeing and quality of social relations. Methods include interviews, focused ethnography, photovoice, digital storytelling and other techniques. These will feed into a survey questionnaire that reflects southern Inuit realities. The survey results will be subject to community validation. This community-based participatory research project seeks to build a knowledge base that will support the development of Inuit-specific services in southern Quebec. A partnership between the Southern Quebec Inuit Association (SQIA) and a group of researchers has committed to developing a long-term participatory action research agenda. The SQIA is a nonprofit organization, mandated in October 2017 to represent southern Quebec Inuit. The SQIA is recognized and supported by Inuit regional organizations (Makivik Corporation) and the provincial government (Secretariat des affairs autochtones). Among its first objectives is the partnership and survey described here. Our work to date has resulted in the development of a model research agreement that includes provision for OCAP, publication and data management, community capacity building and training, and a statement of research principles. Additionally, we have undertaken a census of southern Quebec Inuit using multiple techniques as a basis for SQIA membership and sampling for the survey. Finally, we have successfully recruited a Community Advisory Committee to support the work of the partnership throughout the life of the project.
An Integrated Knowledge Translation strategy focusing on the Nipivut radio show, social media, and direct meetings with the CAC and project partners will allow for an ongoing dialogue about the project with the community. An end of project conference will signal the beginning of the dissemination of results to the public at large.
The scientific outcomes will include a better understanding of urban Inuit health and its relationship to northern health issues. Our goal is to develop an understanding of health and wellbeing that is based in Inuit experience in order to effectively build the capacity to address community needs.
