Economic Security of Inuit Women Inuit Women as Agents for Change Government of Canada Standing Committee on the Status of Women Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Thursday, April 26, 2007

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada About Pauktuutit Established in 1984 National non-profit charitable organization Represents all Inuit women in Canada Pauktuutit fosters greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, works for equity and social improvements, and encourages their participation in the community, regional and national life of Canada. Pauktuutit leads and supports Canadian Inuit women in policy development and community projects in all areas of interest to them. Courtesy Avataq Institute – 1920 National Archives E

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Pauktuutit’s Activities Equity for Inuit Women Health issues: Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, Tobacco Reduction, sexual health, injury prevention… Early Childhood Development Economic Development Environment Abuse and Violence Housing Crisis Gender in Decision Making Caregivers International issues and the United Nations Justice and Corrections Midwifery, Maternal and Child health Children, Youth Issues

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Social Issues ARE Economic Issues There are a few safe shelters in the North Little in the way of alternative housing There are increasing numbers of ‘hidden homeless’ and ‘couch surfers’ in northern communities Rates of Women Admitted to Shelters for Reasons of Abuse in April 2004 (rate per 100,000) Measuring Violence Against Women Statistics Canada (2006: pp. 60)

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Social and Economic Issues Housing (2001) Overcrowding: 68% of homes in Nunavik 54% of homes in Nunavut Need of Repair:24% of houses in the North Poor conditions foster ill health and undermine the safety of Inuit women and their children. House designs are culturally inappropriate and do not reflect Inuit needs.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Social and Economic Issues Education Almost 58% of adult Inuit have not completed high school. Only 25 students entering kindergarten will complete grade 12. Income Inuit earn up to 20% less than the Canadian average. Inuit women earn up to 30% less than the Canadian average. Over 20% unemployment in Inuit communities. Harvesting economy is still common. Among self-employed Inuit, only one-quarter to one-third are women. Cost of Living 40% to 100% higher than in southern Canada; Country food is a recommended alternative to southern food.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY How can entrepreneurs help? Can business leadership truly improve the social fabric and therefore the economic stability so important to their business interests in the north?

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Inuit Fashion Industry Growing interest in Inuit traditional and contemporary creations. Mid-1990s fashion shows promoted a market for quality hand-crafted creations. Opportunity for economic independence in small and isolated communities. Pauktuutit project The Road to Independence promoted economic self-sufficiency among Inuit women. Trained Inuit women to meet the demands of the southern market.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Traditional Knowledge The misuse and misappropriation of Aboriginal intellectual property is widespread. Economic development based upon culturally-based garments prompted the need to protect the traditional intellectual property. WHAT IS AN AMAUTI ? A traditional style Inuit woman’s parka with a large hood and pouch to carry a child. The large loose shoulder allows the mother to bring the child around from her back for nursing. A custom fit protects the child from the cold and frees the mother’s hands for activities. National Archives PA National Archives E

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada The Amauti Workshop Raised awareness about intellectual property rights among Inuit women. Engaged Elders, community leaders, and garment producers in discussions about protecting traditional knowledge. Sought consensus on legal mechanisms to protect collective knowledge in a way that respects Inuit cultural concerns. Empowered Inuit women with the tools to benefit from traditional knowledge. Final Report: Inuit Women's Traditional Knowledge Workshop on the Amauti and Intellectual Property Rights

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Inuit Women In Business Partnering with INAC - Training the Trainers –materials and techniques to deliver a three day business-readiness workshop that in turn, provides participants with:  tools to develop their own business plans;  tools to assess their skills, strengths and weaknesses;  increased awareness about Inuit and government programs available to assist them in their business ventures;  know how to plan for and develop their business ideas;  an understanding of the components of a business plan;  Tools to assess their own business readiness and  knowledge about where to find funding and resource people to make their business a reality.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada The Path to Women’s Economic Self Sufficiency Small scale women’s economic initiatives need support. This means: Training Mentoring Access to credit – micro lending and other new economic tools Access to markets and Laws to protect the intellectual property rights of traditional knowledge holders.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Economic Opportunity for Today Sustainable, long-term economic development depends upon social and economic stability in Canada’s north Inuit women are the primary agents of social change in Inuit communities If it is to succeed, Industry needs Inuit women to participate in northern economic development

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Pauktuutit as a Partner Private sector interests are best served by ensuring social and economic stability in local communities; Pauktuutit has 23 years expertise in direct community representation and engagement; Pauktuutit has well- established relationships with key representatives of governments, agencies, academics, community leaders and the private sector.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Pauktuutit as a Partner Pauktuutit is a unique and practical partner for the critical process of knowledge translation; Partnership with Pauktuutit is a direct investment in economic stability; Investing in Inuit women as the agents of change in the north is sound economic policy; Pauktuutit is a non-profit charitable organization.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Quyanamiik Jennifer Dickson Executive Director PAUKTUUTIT INUIT WOMEN OF CANADA 56 Sparks Street Suite 400 Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K1P 5A