APTN News – Family caregivers say lack of disability services leading the ‘burnout’ in Nunavut: study

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.