International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Ethnic peculiarities of the North native inhabitants health

Objective: The objective of this paper was to examine, from a policy perspective, the health and well-being impacts of resource extraction industries in and near Inuit communities.

Study Design/Methods: The potential impacts on Inuit health and well-being were identified from a literature review involving more than 100 sources. This secondary research was augmented by a number of key-informant interviews representative of the four Inuit regions in Canada. An examination of international treaties and provisions in Inuit land claims was conducted to identify potential strategies to minimize the negative impacts of development.

Results: Although economic development is desirable in Inuit communities, resource extraction development (mining, oil and gas) has the potential to have a negative impact on the health and well-being of Inuit. Some of the potential impacts are shared with non-Inuit. However, due to their unique cultural and economic circumstances, and the geographic isolation of most Inuit communities, development poses a greater threat to Inuit individual and community well-being. For example, subsistence hunting may be interrupted, affecting nutrition; retention of the Inuktitut language may be threatened affecting cultural well-being; and, changes to community dynamics and support networks affecting mental health are likely in the face of development. Inuit land claims, and a number of obligations Canada has made at the international level (for example, the Convention on Biological Diversity) have provisions that may help Inuit achieve benefit from development and minimize potential negative health impacts.

Conclusion: Resource extraction industrial development poses a potential threat to Inuit health and well-being if not properly planned and prepared for. Interventions at the policy level can be affected to minimize the negative impacts of development and to ensure that Inuit achieve maximum benefit from development.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)