NTI Affirms National Inuit Action Plan in response to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children National Inquiry

(June 4, 2021 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) affirms the National Inuit Action Plan released by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Inuit organizations need to work together to reduce violence in our communities. The National Inuit Action Plan prescribes an initial path towards improving critical services and addressing infrastructure needs. The actions outlined in the National Inuit Action Plan are informed by the need to support Inuit in need of swift and measurable change.

The National Inuit Action Plan acknowledges the historically based underlying socio-cultural economic and institutional causes of violence. Inuit Women and Children face unacceptable disproportionate rates of violence, which are created by inconsistent and vast under investment of Inuit informed responses to the needs in our communities.

Nunavut’s housing crisis has devastating impacts on women and children; it creates a system that prevents families from being able to access essential services that allow them to flee violence in their homes. Dealing with historically based on-going trauma is a critical piece of reparation of our families, kinship ties and communities. Cultural reclamation and self determining our healing path will be imperative, including how and what services are provided. We need to be striving for vibrant self determining Inuit that have economic security and a path forward.

“Inuit women, children and gender diverse deserve to live fulfilling, healthy and safe lives,” said President Kotierk. “I recognize and deeply appreciate survivors for your dedication to justice and equity. The work of the National Inuit Action Plan is urgent and I commit to doing everything I can.” said Aluki Kotierk, President of NTI.

Today marks the second anniversary of the release of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commission’s final report.

Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ people

For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. This is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support and cultural services and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.

Inuit residential school survivors and their families have mental health, emotional and cultural support available through the Indian Residential Schools Health Resolution Support Program and includes counselling in Inuktut through partnership with Nunavut wellness organizations; the 24-hours a day crisis line is 1 (866) 925-4419. Inuit may also call the Hope for Wellness Helpline, 1 (855) 242-3310, which has counselling in Inuktitut.

We encourage Inuit to use these services and many other forms of healing.

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For further information:

Karen Flaherty
A/Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

www.tunngavik.com