Book Description

When it comes to the health and wellness of its citizens, Canada is a leading nation amongst its peers. Unfortunately, highquality of life and health standards remain elusive for certain segments of Canada's population. People living in Canada's Northern Territories generally report higher rates of physical and mental health challenges than their southern counterparts. Nunavut, in particular, struggles with these issues, having a higher suicide rate, greater frequency of chronic illness, and lower life expectancy than any other territory or province in Canada. This signals a clear need for upstream health initiatives, including programs and projects that enhance understanding, prevention, and intervention. So what is being done to address these issues? Qaujigiartiit is an independent, community-driven health and wellness research centre that was established to serve Nunavummiut. Its primary objective is to "enable health research to be conducted locally, by northerners, and with communities in a supportive, safe, culturally-sensitive and ethical environment, and to promote the inclusion of both Inuit and Western epistemologies and methodologies in addressing health concerns." As such, Qaujigiartiit works on projects of priority to communities, such as climate change, infectious illness, mental health, sexual health, the health care system, and the health of children and youth. Join Dr. Gwen Healey for this 60-minute webinar as she describes and reflects upon Qaujigiartiit's community-led interventions to promote health and wellness among youth in Nunavut. Hear about the methods and tools employed; why they were chosen; how they work; and what kind of impact they have had on the youth who attend the programs. Gwen will explore the link between improved health outcomes and advancements in community and individual capacity development, and the long-term benefits of this approach.