“Inuit are here; we exist in B.C.,” they say. “[Data] is validating for people’s experiences; it’s a way of telling our story.”

A full day, in-person event will be held on Nov. 5 at the First Nations Longhouse at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Members of the Inuit community can also participate in online sessions held on Nov. 13 (evening) and Nov. 16 (afternoon).

Storytelling through data

Papik is currently a practitioner fellow at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. The events are supported by her fellowship and a grant from the not-for-profit organization The Circle Way.

“[The fellowship is] creating this pathway, to have a voice, a seat at the table with the province of B.C. through the Office of the Provincial Health Officer,” says Papik.

During this fellowship, Papik will work with Dr. Danièle Behn Smith (Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health) to update the province’s children and youth health report, titled Is “Good,” Good Enough?

“We’ll be able to work with the Inuit youth data to decide what is put in the report, and how it is put in the report,” Papik shares, noting gratitude for the province’s openness to collaborating with the Inuit community. “Without them, we’d be on the outside of the legislature.”

In particular, Papik would like to see data regarding the suicide rates of Inuit youth. Through their community work, Papik has witnessed high rates of suicide ideation amongst this group.

“Every youth matters,” they emphasize. “[Data] can highlight the importance and urgency, even though we are a small number.”

The 2021 Canada Census accounted for 1,720 Inuit in the province. The Society currently has 170 members – a number that continues to grow.

According to Papik, the community also face barriers when accessing Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). NIHB is a federal program that provides eligible First Nations and Inuit people with coverage for specific health services.

Spreading the word

The Society started as a Facebook group called “Inuit Living in BC.” Papik founded the group to connect with other Inuit in the province.

“[Inuit] don’t know there’s other Inuit in the same city and town,” they add. “They miss that connection to each other, culture and food.”

Papik recalls how these barriers to healthcare – including access to prescription medication and mental health services – were already present in these social media discussions.

The Society was officially formed on May 2, 2023. It now serves as a point of cultural connection for the province’s Inuit community. All three upcoming events will involve a presentation on Inuit data governance, followed by a group discussion.

“We’ll be using circle practice as the way to make space,” Papik shares.

The in-person event will incorporate Inuit games, drumming and singing. Participants can also share in country food. In the afternoon, a tour of Inuit cultural objects and art will take place at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology.

“I was learning how to make grease from some beluga whale blubber,” Papik says of her preparations for the event. “I just imagine my ancestors smiling at me.”

The practitioner fellow adds that their ancestors have already created frameworks for an inclusive data governance system. Papik’s work draws on Inuit traditional knowledge and the work of Indigenous-led organizations – including the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s Protocols for Equitable and Ethical Engagement.

“We want to do the work in a good way,” Papik says, noting her gratitude to the province’s Indigenous communities. “Our protocol is to follow the protocols of the land we are on.”

For Papik, the “most active allyship” occurs when people amplify BCmiut’s work. They encourage the public to spread the word about these events as well as BCmiut’s website and Facebook group.

“Because we’re so spread out and disconnected, it’s finding one Inuk here and two over there, so [sharing about our group] can bring us together,” they add. “If you come across someone who says they are from the North and they are Inuk…encourage them to check it out.”

For more information, see www.bcmiut.ca/upcoming-events