For Inuit, our sense of agency, connection to community, and culture are inseparable from our wellbeing. Today, our mental health is shaped by historic and ongoing experiences of colonization, which fractured families, suppressed cultural practices, and dismantled community-based healing systems. The abuse endured during relocations, residential schools and other colonial practices, alongside the removal of Inuit-led supports, has left many communities in crisis. These harms are compounded by limited and overburdened mental health services and other social systems that are failing to meet Inuit realities. Restoring wellbeing requires restoring Inuit leadership in designing and delivering care.

This project responds by advancing Inuit-led approaches to healing and trauma research. In partnership with a community-based wellness organization, community subject experts are gathered to determine culturally safe ways to study healing and trauma in the community. Conducted within the Aajiqatigiingniq Research Methodology, respectful relationships, collaboration, and relational accountability are prioritized. Through this approach, the process itself serves as an important part of restoring Inuit ways of addressing social issues. Relevant insights from neuropsychological models will be explored to strengthen community narratives and goals. By centring Inuit voices, this work builds community capacity and advances evidence for culturally grounded, community-owned mental health practices.

This project is co-funded in partnership with Mitacs and Indigenous Women’s Fund of Canada.