March 26, 2024
Research Snapshot: Inuit Mothers’ Visions for Child and Family Wellness in Nunavut, Canada
Summary of a study on how the child welfare system is perceived by Inuit mothers
March 26, 2024
Download summary (Inuktitut – Kivalliq dialect)
Indigenous and Inuit children and families have historically been overrepresented in social service and child welfare cases. Current child welfare and social service systems in Indigenous and Inuit communities often do not consider their cultural values, beliefs, and practices. In Nunavut, Canada, the current system that has been in place since the 1950s is rooted in colonialism and paternalism. Systemic racism persists as in most state institutions in Canada. Presented with a child welfare model designed by non-Inuit peoples, Inuit families find it difficult to understand, navigate, and cope with such a model.
This study explored the experiences of Inuit mothers and information from key informants involved with the child welfare system in Nunavut.
This research builds on our growing understanding of the Family Wellbeing component of the Vanier Institute’s Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework.
This Research Snapshot is also available in Inuktitut, in the dialect of the families studied (Kivalliq).
ᖃᐅᔨᓴᐃᓂᕐᒥᑦ ᐱᔾᔪᑎᖃᖅᑐᖅ ᒪᓂᒪᖕᒥᔪᖅ ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ, ᐅᖃᐅᓯᖏᑦᑎᒍᑦ ᖃᑕᙳᑎᒌᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᖅᑕᐅᓂᖃᖅᑐᓂᑦ (ᑭᕙᓪᓕᖅ).
Johnston, P., Tagalik, S., & Amarudjuak, R. (2022, October 27). Stronger when we are together: Inuit mothers’ visions for child and family wellness in Nunavut, Canada. American Review of Canadian Studies, (52)3, 327–341. https://doi.org/10.1080/02722011.2022.2114266
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