Abstract

Bridging the gaps: health and social policy in remote Nunavut communities

Sara Tedford Gold

In its Report on Comparable Health Indicators for Nunavut and Canada (2002), Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services reports that Nunavummiut (the people of Nunavut) live shorter, sicker lives and are less satisfied with their health care than other Canadians. Such findings reinforce the demand for "better" health services for remote, Nunavut communities. At the same time, Nunavummiut and others are emphasizing the need for social services and for greater local participation in planning and decision-making.

Inuit and non-Inuit residents, policy-makers, researchers and non-governmental organizations recognize that colonialism has resulted in the erosion of a way of living and of important social support systems in the north. This erosion, coupled with the isolated nature of remote, northern communities contributes to significant gaps in health care and social services. This paper is based on a two-year study of health and health systems governance within the context of Inuit self-determination in Nunavut. I explore the development of health and social services policy in Nunavut, looking specifically at the links between health and social services. I examine issues of governance including accountability and decision-making and the relationships among a broad range of stakeholders. Finally, I consider strategies to bring researchers, policy makers, and communities together to examine sustainable, community-based solutions to the significant gaps in health and social services.

Bio

Sara Tedford Gold is a SSHRC and CHSRF funded Doctoral Candidate at McMaster University who is currently completing her dissertation based on a two-year study of health systems governance in remote Nunavut communities. She is a Senior Researcher with the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis and has extensive expertise in qualitative research and community-based policy initiatives. She is also a primary investigator on a two-year CHSRF grant examining community-based maternity care for remote, northern communities.

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