QANUILIRPITAA? 2017

Meaning: Where are we now? / How are we now?

In 2014, the NRBHSS authorized a second large-scale survey similar to the one in 2004, the fruit of an important partnership between the regional organizations, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec( INSPQ), and Laval, McGill and Trent Universities. After a number of years of planning, preparation and consultation, on August 17, 2017, a team of roughly 40 persons including researchers, medical experts, laboratory technicians and NRBHSS employees set out for the community of Kuujjuaraapik on board the scientific research vessel Amundsento launch the survey.

Over seven weeks, the research team visited each of the 14 communities, filling out health questionnaires and performing clinical tests. A total of 1,326 Nunavimmiut, over the age of 16, from the various communities took part in the survey. The Amundsen made its first stop in Kuujjuaraapik and from there continued to the communities of Umiujaq, Inukjuak, Puvirnituq, Akulivik, Ivujivik, Salluit, Kangiqsujuaq, Quaqtaq, Kangirsuk, Aupaluk, Tasiujaq, and Kangiqsualujjuaq, ending its journey in Kuujjuaq on October 5, 2017.

Three components of the survey

The adult component documented the state of mental and physical health of adults in 2017 and followed up with the adults of the Qanuippitaa? 2004 cohort.
The youth component made up the new cohort of data on the mental and physical health of Nunavimmiut aged 16 to 30 years.
The third component—community—established the health profiles and assets of each community according to an approach of participative research.

The survey results shed light on the importance that Inuit place on traditional values, culture and environment while maintaining good health.