Mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Inuit living in Manitoba: community responses

This study was conducted by the Manitoba Inuit Association and a Council of Inuit Elders, in partnership with researchers from the University of Manitoba. We present findings from 12 health services providers and decision-makers, collected in 2021.Although Public Health orders led to the closure of the Manitoba Inuit Association's doors to community events and drop-in activities, it also created opportunities for the creation of programming and events delivered virtually and through outreach. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing health and social system's shortcomings (limited access to safe housing, food insecurity) and trauma-related tensions within the community. The Manitoba Inuit Association achieved unprecedented visibility with the provincial government, receiving bi-weekly reports of COVID-19 testing, results and vaccination rates for Inuit. We conclude that after over a decade of advocacy received with at best tepid enthusiasm by federal and provincial governments, the Manitoba Inuit Association was able effectively advocate for Inuit-centric programming, and respond to Inuit community's needs, bringing visibility to a community that had until then been largely invisible. Still, many programs have been fueled with COVID-19 funding, raising the issue of sustainability.PMID:37752773 | DOI:10.1080/22423982.2023.2259135

Source: International Journal of Circumpolar Health - September 27, 2023 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Jos ée G Lavoie Wayne Clark Leah McDonnell Nathan Nickel Rachel Dutton Janet Kanayok Melinda Fowler-Woods Jack Anawak Nuqaalaq Brown Grace Voisey Clark Tagaak Evaluardjuk-Palmer Sabrina T Wong Julianne Sanguins Adriana Mudryj Nastania Mullins Marti Ford Source Type: research