Understanding People, Place, and Culture: A NunatuKavut Inuit Mental Wellness Initiative - Julie Bull & Jennifer Shea

Mental wellness is a key health priority for NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC). The NCC represents over 6,000 Inuit, residing in 23 communities primarily located on the South Coast and interior waterways of Labrador. This community-engaged project involves active participation from community members under the direction and leadership of the NCC to develop and strengthen wellness resources in the territory. Our approach is rooted in local expertise from diverse stakeholders including patients, families, health care providers, and community leaders. Community members will share their experiences and expertise through storytelling (a traditional form of knowledge translation); photovoice; and theatre (scripts and performances). Throughout our project we will identify available community assets, resources, and services related to wellness in Southern Inuit communities and build on these strengths to establish wellness programs and resources for NCC. Creating and completing this community-based project in partnership ensures outcomes will be culturally relevant and instill a sense of pride and ownership for the work going forward. Initiatives led by and for the community are critical to closing the gap and enhancing healing. Our presentation will focus on preliminary findings from sharing circle discussions with four pilot communities.