National Inuit climate change strategy
This resource is available in English and French.
This informative strategy asks readers to ethically partner with Inuit communities while contributing to climate policy at all levels.
Situating climate change as a current crisis with health equity impacts
Canada’s 51 Inuit communities are already experiencing and responding to significant climate change impacts. Projections for further changes are dire, including further loss of sea ice and thawing permafrost. Graphics on pages 11-14 help illustrate the interaction of these changes with existing inequities such as access to traditional foods, cultural practices, safe and affordable housing, and health services. The relationship between climate change, health and wellness is further explained on page 22.
Drawing on Indigenous knowledge and resilience
In his opening letter, Natan Obed, president, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, highlights the resilience and strength that has been required to deal with the lasting impacts of colonialism, and notes that this same resilience will continue to be key in addressing the current climate emergency affecting Inuit Nunangat. Self-determination is central to this strategy, with particular attention to Inuit-led research, action and partnerships driven by Inuit needs. Case studies of Inuit-led climate initiatives are effectively used throughout the document.
Five priority climate actions
The strategy identifies five interrelated priorities for climate action, including “improv[ing] Inuit and environmental health and wellness outcomes through integrated Inuit health, education and climate policies and initiatives” (p. 22). Each priority area is accompanied by a clearly stated objective and related actions. The report is also accompanied by a framework for collaborating with Inuit on climate actions (p. 28) and a strategy implementation guide (p. 37).
Use this resource to:
- increase your understanding of how the changing climate compounds health inequities for Inuit;
- reflect on how the recommended priority climate actions relate to your public health work;
- review examples of Inuit-led climate action; and
- learn how to work with Inuit communities and participate in policy development related to climate action.
Reference
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. (2019). National Inuit Climate Change Strategy. Ottawa: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Related resources
- Climate change, health, and equity: A guide for local health departments (2018)
- State of the knowledge: Inuit public health, 2011 (2011)
Tags: Environmental health, Indigenous health, Climate change, Assess and report, Report / Document