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"HOW ARE WE AS MEN? - Angutiilli qanuiliqpat?"

Why are we focusing on Inuit men’s health?

Inuit men have experienced many changes to their way of life in just two generations. This has sometimes left Inuit men feeling lost and unsure of their place in the family and community. Their level of distress can be seen in the low school completion rates and high levels of incarceration and suicide.

Men need a voice. They have important things to say and contributions to make. Programs and services for men – many created and led by men – are giving them an opportunity to seek help, better understand their needs and strengths, and revive their traditions and culture. In “Angutiilli qanuiliqpat? – How are we as men?”, viewers will see stories of community programs that are helping Inuit men to improve their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 

What are our communication goals?

The television program is a way to share Inuit men’s perspectives on their wellness, create greater awareness and understanding of some of the main problems they are experiencing, and to highlight that many men would like access to information and services to help them deal with their problems. A central message is that individuals, families and communities need to look at ways to re-establish and revive Inuit men’s identity.

What will you see on "How are we as men?"?

The television show will provide an opportunity to discuss the issues Inuit men face in today’s society. You will hear a lively discussion between our panel – made up of people who work in the area of health and wellness – a studio audience and the viewers. They will talk about men’s roles today, education, employment, tradition and culture, and other issues of importance to men.

You will see four, pre-recorded videos of men’s programs and activities that are trying to improve the situation for Inuit men and their families. These include:

Qanuippitali? Inuit Health Survey:
Watch video clip here >>

Viewers will see footage about the first major survey of the health of Inuit living in Nunavut, the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Nunatsiavut. During the "Qanuippitali? Inuit Health Survey", health workers and researchers travelled by ship to Inuit communities to ask young people, adults and children about their health and wellness. Members of the panel will talk about some of the questions that men were asked, and how their answers to these questions can help shape programs for men.

 
Spousal Abuse Counselling Program (Rankin Inlet, Nunavut):

Watch  the video clip here>>

The Spousal Abuse Counselling Program provides counselling for abusers, victims, and their families. It is designed to help keep Inuit from becoming violent and abusive and going to jail for these crime s.. This project is the first of its kind to be delivered in an Inuit community. We will take viewers to the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet, where the counselling program is located. Viewers will hear about how the counselling is done from an Inuit perspective using Inuit approaches to healing, and how Inuit elders help the counsellors with group counselling sessions.

Qajaq Men's Network (Nunavik):
Watch the video clip here>>

The Qajaq Network is a community organization dedicated to helping Inuit men deal with the issues they face in today’s world. It does so through organizing support groups and holding community workshops dealing with men’s health. The Qajaq Network, founded in 2003, is based in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik and runs in several communities in the region. Viewers will hear about group and individual counselling services, and its new work in the area of crisis and violence intervention. We will take viewers to the Qajaq Network where they will see how the counsellors promote equality between men and women because they feel this will help create healthier communities.

 

Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (Alaska):
Watch the video clip here>>

The Family Wellness Warriors Initiative tries to address the devastating problems of domestic violence, abuse and neglect in the Alaska Native community. Its purpose is to teach organizations and individuals how to best address the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical effects of domestic violence, abuse and neglect. Viewers will meet Max Dolchok, a former attendee at Wellness Warriors and now an outspoken advocate for men’s and family healing. Dolchok will tell us how the Wellness Warriors initiative allows men to step forward to take back their place as the protectors of family values.

Who was involved in the “How are we as men?” show?

A working group made up of Inuit men and people involved in men’s issues helped Inuit Tuttarvingat of the National Aboriginal Health Organization to develop the content for the two-hour episode.  Members of the working group included:

• Fred Andersen, Counsellor, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Jacob Partridge, Elder, Nunavik
• Leesie Naqitarvik, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
• Herb Nakimayak, Paulatuk

 Who should I contact if I have questions, comments or suggestions about the TV series?

Catherine Carry coordinated the series. Catherine is the Senior Program Officer at Inuit Tuttarvingat of the National Aboriginal Health Organization.

Toll-free: 1-877-602-4445

Telephone: (613) 760-3515

E-mail: ccarry@naho.ca