Overcrowded housing of the most northern communities contributes to the maintenance and rise of social problems

The purpose of the project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home in its final objective is to empower mothers in Nunavik communities in Quebec, Canada to become safer, to be aware of their legal rights, and families to understand the risk factors leading to the removal of their children. Safety standards for women and for children must be designed in services offered to the population of isolated communities.

Overcrowded housing in northern communities contributes to the maintenance and rise of social problems and largely affects safety issues in Nunavik and Nunavut's women and children.

Reconciliation and the possibility of more inclusive communities

The walk of 8000 km is my way to start conversations centred on reconciliation and the possibility of more inclusive communities. By talking to people about the Inuit reality, I hope to encourage a shift in perceptions and a more equitable future for the Inuit.

My project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home is a unique opportunity to provide HOPE to people who face very challenging times.

Promises have been made

Finally, there have been promises made: “We are determined to reduce the number of indigenous children in care … to keep the family intact if at all possible,” Dr. Bennett said, adding that, “we know we’ve got to get going on affordable housing, on women’s shelters, on the child-welfare system, on preventing child abuse, and developing a comprehensive human-trafficking strategy in the near term’’, rather than waiting for a commission’s recommendations is what keep me going. I won’t be ready to put my project down until these promises have been kept. But I hope social conditions get better soon.

Racism, sexism affects everyone’s ability to address inequalities

In our ever more evolving world, I feel we need to provoke a questioning about our leaders’ mindset. Unfair systems that promote the wealth and opportunity of some at the expense of considerable others is a form of oppression. From that same mindset arises racism, sexism, inequalities. This affects everyone’s ability to address inequalities. Justice is not being served in the far communities of Nunavik.

As an outsider, I plan to use my privilege of knowing more than some others about the Inuit reality to support and amplify their VOICE.

The importance of building trust

One of the important lessons I have learned as I go along this walk is the importance of building trust, mostly through listening.

I recognize and respect that everyone has their own individual perspective but I am aware that some issues are inextricably linked to other issues. Community development in the northern regions needs to be approached from multiple perspectives with as many actors as possible-housing, justice, employment, etc.

Barriers that girls face in the North

To give an example, when you know the barriers that girls face in the North, you know you are facing an issue of human rights. Child protection against abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence are current issues that need to be addressed in Inuit land. Safety of women and children is one of the most significant public health emergencies in this country.

There are specifics I listen to that reflect Saturviit's preoccupations, such as:

‘’How do we promote the self-esteem of the girls and the women through community engagement? ‘’
‘’How can they find community-driven solutions for addressing issues of safety for the women and children of those communities? ‘’
‘’How do they develop a training curriculum as part of a strategic planning to promote safety in each community?’’
‘’What are the systemic factors that perpetuate and contribute to disparities amongst the community members?’’

Those most impacted by these problems need to be at the heart of the decision-making process

No matter where one is born, those most impacted by these problems need to be at the heart of the decision-making process and the biggest part of the solution. As I walk I reflect upon those most impacted and those most inspired to take action to address certain issues.

Having a permanent home in their own communities is key to long-term success

Children and youth need a connection to one’s cultural identity, family unit and guidance to build a sense of hope and future. As long as children and youth have the ability to have answers about the future of their bio families, having a permanent home in their communities is key to long-term success.

Homelessness and insecure accommodation puts mothers and children at risk

This aspect is a big concern. Homeless women are not so visible in Northern communities when considering that they often use relative homelessness and insecure accommodation whenever possible, some with their children in tow. The faces of women among the homeless are also obscured by research on homeless families, the majority of which represent mothers and children. This situation requires a special set of solutions and programs to heal entire families.

The pursuit of social justice

The pursuit of social justice is not a pious wish. A desire to see Inuit communities flourish and lives changed can transform relationships especially when policies that benefit vulnerable children and their families help restore the communities. Children are at the heart of communities and it is the work of reconciliation to reduce the gaps by implementing the health-care rights for all Indigenous people, to close the education gap for Indigenous people and to eliminate the over-representation of Indigenous people in custody and in trouble with the law.