Poverty Reduction
Empowering Inuit Women and Children
Poverty is a pressing challenge for Inuit communities, disproportionately affecting Inuit women and gender-diverse Inuit. Our advocacy focuses on food sovereignty and reducing living costs to combat economic exclusion and promote sustainable livelihoods. With 8 out of 10 Inuit in Inuit Nunangat experiencing food insecurity compared to one in ten non-Inuit Canadians, addressing these disparities is vital for the health and well-being of our communities. Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is dedicated to exploring initiatives such as guaranteed basic income and increasing leadership opportunities for Inuit women to empower them economically and socially.
Our Priority Areas
Food Sovereignty and Insecurity
Food insecurity is a significant and ongoing challenge in Inuit Nunangat. The 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey reveals that 76% of Inuit aged 15 and over experience food insecurity, starkly contrasting the provincial average of one in eight households. These conditions are the result of decisions that prioritize corporate interests over Inuit culture and well-being. These decisions foster dependence on southern food supplies and sever connections to traditional food systems. Through food sovereignty, Inuit families can regain their agency. Pauktuutit seeks to transform the policy conversation around food security by highlighting effective alternatives in food subsidy delivery and funding.
Economic Exclusion and Employment Opportunities
Economic exclusion severely impacts Inuit women by limiting access to jobs and leadership positions. Despite being the majority in Inuit Nunangat, Inuit remain underrepresented in decision-making roles that influence economic choices affecting their lives and communities. The median income for Inuit in the region was $23,485 in 2015, compared to $92,011 for non-Indigenous people. Pauktuutit advocates for the social and economic rights of Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.
Guaranteed Basic Income
Guaranteed basic income is a critical call for justice from the MMIWG2S National Inquiry and is reiterated in the National Inuit Action Plan on MMIWG2S. However, there has been limited research on its feasibility for Inuit across Inuit Nunangat. Pauktuutit aims to map current living costs for Inuit women and gender-diverse individuals, develop a case for comprehensive basic income, and conduct a social benefits costing and feasibility analysis. We aspire to measure the potential wellness-enhancing and cost-saving benefits across sectors, advocating for basic income from both a human rights and economic perspective.
Inuit Women in Business Resources
While the Inuit Women in Business Network (IWBN) is no longer active, Pauktuutit remains committed to supporting Inuit women entrepreneurs. These resources offer valuable guidance on business planning, marketing, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re starting out or expanding your business, these resources are here to help. Inuit women across all industries and skill levels deserve access to opportunities that support their success, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.
