There is no word for “disabled” in the Inuit language.
Instead, in Nunavut people contribute according to their abilities, says a new study sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE).
“That’s significant for us as a disability organization…,” says Alyson Colón, research associate for Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Disabilities Society (NDMS) in Iqaluit, who produced the study on caregiver needs across the Arctic territory.
“We’ve spoken a lot with interpreters and Nunavummiut about trying to find a word and there isn’t a direct translation because it’s just not a cultural concept that has a history.”
The research gathered throughout 2022 and 2023 shows how Nunavummiut view caregiving and what they need from governments to feel better supported.