Transcript Inuit Traditions & Housing Realities in Nunavik  Presented by Andy Moorhouse, President, Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau.

Inuit Traditions &
Housing Realities in Nunavik
 Presented
by
Andy Moorhouse,
President,
Kativik Municipal
Housing Bureau
Presentation Outline
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Inuit History and Traditions
Traditional Cultural Realities
Current Cultural Realities
Traditional Housing
Current Housing Situation
Nunavik Housing Stock
The Community of Inukjuak
The People of Inukjuak
Inukjuak Housing Issues
Housing Development in Inukjuak
Future Plans for the community
Strategies to realize the plan of Inukjuak
Closing Remarks
Inuit History & Traditions
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Inhabitants of the region for more than 4,000 years.
Confirmed by Archeological sites located in & around the area of
the community
Nomadic people for many generations until the 1930’s & 40’s
Many families settled to the community of Inukjuak until the late
1940’s
Inuit History & Traditions Con’t
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High Arctic Relocation from Inukjuak – 1952
Policy of Assimilation enacted by Government – 1940’s to the
1960’s
Near Annihilation of the Inuit Sled Dogs – 1940’s to 1960’s
Chain reaction of many social problems from early Trauma’s –
Alcoholism, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse etc…
Traditional Cultural Realities
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Traditional Practice still exists today
Elders hold knowledge & keys to the passing of knowledge to the
next generation
Education system includes the Traditional Culture as part of the
curriculum
Other efforts & Initiatives have also been implemented to ensure
the passing of the knowledge & history
Inuttitut Language is used widely & is strong
Traditional Housing
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Sod Houses or Skin tents were used mainly for the
spring & summer seasons
Igloos as well as Sod houses for the Winter
All traditional housing still used to this day
Promotions to teach & construct of traditional housing
is promoted to this day
Current Housing Situation
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With regards to the Housing Situation today, we consider this a
“Crisis”
More than 915 Units are required according to the Government of
Quebec Housing Allocation structures
Mainly Single family units are needed
3 to 4 Generations living in a single unit
Average of 3 Persons per room
Nunavik Housing Stock
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Current Housing stock – 2,135 for a population of 11,100
Lack of proper maintenance & financial up-keep by the Government
Current renovation costs estimated at $ 350 Million to bring to
Provincial Standards
Current agreement over 3 Years - $ 45 Million (2008 – 2010)
Negotiations currently being discussed for 2010+
Nunavik Housing Stock Con’t
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95% of housing is Social Housing
4 % is Home Ownership
1% Assisted Living Housing (Elder Care Centers & Re-integration
Supervise Housing)
Issues related to Home Ownership
◦ # 1: Lack of Insurance Options
◦ # 2: High Cost of Construction
◦ # 3: High Cost of Operations & Maintenance
The Community of Inukjuak
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Total Population of 1,620
Majority of the population is under the age of 30 years.
Managed by the Northern Village of Inukjuak (Municipal Office)
Land Governed by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation (Land Lord,
JBNQA 1975)
Collaboration between Organizations to ensure proper management
of the community & it’s inhabitants
The People of Inukjuak
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The People of the Community
Local Gatherings
Traditional Food Sources
Local Activities for the population
Activities of representation for the development of the community
Local Economy & the main sources of government services
Inukjuak Housing Issues
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All issues related to Nunavik are felt in Inukjuak as well (all of
Nunavik)
◦ Shortage of housing
◦ Over crowdedness
◦ Issues related the health of the occupants
◦ Improper upbringing of children – Education, lack of privacy etc…
Current Housing need of more than 120 Units
Housing needs expectations in 3 to 5 years – 100 Units
Housing Development in Inukjuak –
2008 +
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Current Construction of 13 Duplex Buildings for a total of 26
Units
2009 Confirmed Construction – 10 Duplexes/20 Units
All Current Construction is for 2 Bdrm. Units
No confirmed plans for 3 Bed rooms or more at this time
Future Plans for the Community of
Inukjuak
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Secure as much housing as we can for the population
Eliminate the housing crisis with the participation of the population
as a whole
Working with other organizations or Government bodies to
provide other avenues
Options – Currently limited or no options
No homelessness or shelters in Inukjuak
Future Plans for the Community of
Inukjuak con’t
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Current Housing Construction direction with-in the community
Housing Construction over the next 5 Years – Plans of
Implementation
◦ Direction of Housing construction with-in the community
◦ Number of units expected – 2008/2013
◦ Other options possibly available for the communities
Development plan
Future Plans for the Community of
Inukjuak con’t
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Construction of a bridge to access Municipal Boundaries of the
Community
Other options/development opportunities would become available
Expansion of Access to Land for traditional/Cultural purposes
would become available all year round
Strategies to realize the plan of
Inukjuak
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Access to Municipal Boundaries of the Municipality
Access to Traditional Hunting Grounds of the Population all year
round
More available options of future development for future
generations of Inukjuak
Closing
Much could be prepared and planned to promote
an efficient and proper planning
 Collaborators are required to ensure the
continuation of support currently shown by all
involved is implemented
 Other realities or issues that may effect the plan for
future development could be realized in the future
 Other innovative techniques as well as new
technologies are being looked into at all times.
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Questions?
Thank you
Nakurmiik