University of Calgary Inuit maternal health: Keeping the children home – Education News Canada
March 31, 2026
Giving birth is often one of the most meaningful and joyous moments of a woman’s life. A cherished and blessed time, especially when supported by their partner and surrounded by family and friends eager to welcome the newest addition to the family.
For many Inuit women, particularly those from the Kivalliq Region in Nunavut, the situation is usually much, much different.
For instance, many Inuit women do not receive any prenatal care, and when they’re ready to give birth they have to take a one or more flights from Inuit Nunangat (Inuit homelands, the Arctic) to a southerly cities. Often they have to do this alone, perhaps accompanied by young children – some very young – forced to leave behind their partners, family, culture and community, when they need them most.
