Kuujjuaq rally calls for increased living standards
Event marks International Workers’ Day
A small group walked through Kuujjuaq Friday to call for better housing, culturally relevant services and measures against the high cost of living in Nunavik. (Photo by Dominique Gené)
This story was updated on Monday, May 4, at 2 p.m. ET.
Inuit in Nunavik need better housing, culturally relevant services and relief from the high cost of living, said organizers of a rally in Kuujjuaq on Friday.
The union representing health-care professionals at the Ungava Tulattavik Health Center organized the rally to mark International Workers’ Day. The union is affiliated with Quebec’s Confederation of National Trade Unions, which is holding rallies across the province.
“The purpose of a union isn’t only to represent workers’ demands but also all kinds of social demands,” said Gabrielle Gauthier, president of the Ungava Tulattavik health centre workers union, in a French interview.
At noon, a small group walked from Nunavik’s health board building to the hospital, chanting, “We need housing for our youth” and “We need to stand together.”
Andrea Makiuk Roy, a technician in the health centre’s audiology department, and the union’s Inuit representative, led the rally.
She said lack of resources and language barriers make it difficult for Inuit to access culturally relevant services.
The health system in Nunavik relies on non-Inuit staff from the south who speak French and English.
“The people that are hired have to adapt to our culture because, as Inuit, we’re adapting every single day,” Roy said. “We welcome everyone, all races, to our communities but we do need to be respected.”
Roy also serves as an interpreter for patients and health care professionals.
Gauthier, who works in youth mental health, said housing needs have to be addressed before anything else.
“I have young teenagers who would love to have a fulfilling life but they don’t have access to housing, and are put on a waiting list which takes years,” she said in French. “In the meantime, some of them live in quite precarious circumstances.”
In 2021, Nunavik was short 836 housing units, according to a study commissioned by the Nunavik Housing Bureau. In 2024, the shortage rose to 1,039.
Correction: This story was updated to correct Andrea Makiuk Roy’s job title.
Now, is this the Inuit of Nunavik holding this rally or is it the non Inuit who are already benefitting from their employment with these Inuit organizations? Why are they always trying to get more monies, more better housing then the Inuit living in Nunavik? If the non Inuit from the south want a better life then leave the Nunavik communities and rally in your own hometowns or cities. Don’t expect to live a lavish life style by being carried on the backs of the Inuit. living a LAVISH style in NUNAVIK and purchasing homes and condominiums down south. Such HYPOCRISY from NONINUIT!!
The walk was asking for three elements: Decent housing, measures against cost of living, and adequate and culturally adapted services.
A day like no other the 1st of May recognized for a time of celebration of workers everywhere to unite in the cause for our rights and against the corporate welfare so freely given to the detriment of peoples the world over, Elon 🤫
A reasonable standard of living, including home ownership or quality rental accommodation, requires sufficient education and skills training for well paid employment to pay for it. That’s the basis for a happy, healthy and rewarding life. Many peoples, notably in Asia, achieve that while retaining those aspects of their culture that they see as continuing to be relevant in the modern world.