{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Inuit living in Manitoba: community responses.
{Author}: Lavoie JG;Clark W;McDonnell L;Nickel N;Dutton R;Kanayok J;Fowler-Woods M;Anawak J;Brown N;Voisey Clark G;Evaluardjuk-Palmer T;Wong ST;Sanguins J;Mudryj A;Mullins N;Ford M;Clark J;
{Journal}: Int J Circumpolar Health
{Volume}: 82
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2023 12
{Factor}: 1.941
{DOI}: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2259135
{Abstract}: We document community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic among Inuit living in the province of Manitoba, Canada. This study was conducted by the Manitoba Inuit Association and a Council of Inuit Elders, in partnership with researchers from the University of Manitoba. We present findings from 12 health services providers and decision-makers, collected in 2021.Although Public Health orders led to the closure of the Manitoba Inuit Association's doors to community events and drop-in activities, it also created opportunities for the creation of programming and events delivered virtually and through outreach. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing health and social system's shortcomings (limited access to safe housing, food insecurity) and trauma-related tensions within the community. The Manitoba Inuit Association achieved unprecedented visibility with the provincial government, receiving bi-weekly reports of COVID-19 testing, results and vaccination rates for Inuit. We conclude that after over a decade of advocacy received with at best tepid enthusiasm by federal and provincial governments, the Manitoba Inuit Association was able effectively advocate for Inuit-centric programming, and respond to Inuit community's needs, bringing visibility to a community that had until then been largely invisible. Still, many programs have been fueled with COVID-19 funding, raising the issue of sustainability.