Pauktuutit facts for kids
 |
|
| Formation | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Type | National Aboriginal Organization |
| Legal status | active |
| Purpose | advocate and public voice, educator and network for Inuit women |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
|
Region served
|
Canada |
|
Official language
|
English, Inuktitut (syllabics) |
| Website | www.pauktuutit.ca |
Pauktuutit is an important organization in Canada that speaks up for Inuit women. It officially started in 1984. Its main office is in Ottawa, which helps it be close to the Canadian government. Every Inuit woman in Canada is considered a member of Pauktuutit. This means no one has to pay to join.
The group works to make sure Inuit women have fair chances and good living conditions. It also supports the rights of children. Pauktuutit wants Inuit women to have a bigger say in Canadian politics. It also helps keep Inuit culture alive and encourages women to be independent. For example, Pauktuutit has spoken out against harm to children and women. They also care a lot about having safe and affordable homes.
Other groups like Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami represent all Inuit Canadians. The Native Women's Association of Canada helps Indigenous women. Pauktuutit sees this group as a friend and partner.
Contents
History of Pauktuutit
How the Organization Started
In the 1970s, Inuit leaders focused on land rights and self-governance. Groups like Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) worked to protect Inuit culture. But Inuit women felt their daily problems were not being heard. In 1975, ITK members in Nunavut first talked about creating an Inuit women's group.
By 1981, the idea had full support at the ITK Annual General Meeting. People at this meeting discussed big health and social problems in Northern communities. These issues mostly affected Inuit women. In traditional Inuit culture, women are often caregivers. They also keep traditional knowledge (Qaujimajatuqangit), values, and history alive. This meant many challenges fell on women. This led to the creation of Pauktuutit. It became a national group to support Inuit women.
Early Years and Growth
Pauktuutit Inuit Women's Association had its first meeting in March 1983, in Iqaluit. The first board had fourteen elected members. The main office was set up in Ottawa. This helped them work closely with the Canadian government. Pauktuutit became a non-profit organization in April 1984. Its first Annual General Meeting was in January 1985. Nearly 150 women from 53 communities in Nunatsiavut attended.
Since it began, Pauktuutit has worked on many issues. These include preventing harm and abuse, justice, health, and rights for LGBTQQIA+ people. They also focus on helping Inuit women succeed in their communities. In 2020, Pauktuutit members created The National Action Plan. This plan calls for an end to violence against Indigenous women. It was a response to the Final Report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Recent Goals and Actions
Pauktuutit's goals in 2022 included putting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) into action. They also worked to provide safe homes for Inuit women, LGBTQQIA+ people, and their children. Another goal was to bring midwifery back to Inuit Nunangat. They also aim to create more leadership chances for Inuit women.
How Pauktuutit Works and Helps
Advocacy and Community Support
Pauktuutit mainly focuses on speaking up and raising awareness. Their yearly meetings are places for Inuit women to connect across Nunangat. News and updates are shared through their newsletter, Suliqpita. The organization also creates helpful resources for communities. These resources cover topics like preventing harm in families and homes. They also provide information on residential schools, housing, and health. They offer support for community needs in Northern areas.
Pauktuutit also has a special group called the Women's Business Network. This network helps Inuit women in the workforce. It gives advice and resources for starting small businesses and working for themselves.
Working with Government and Other Groups
The organization is very active in politics. They work to create better laws for Inuit women. Pauktuutit members have worked with the Canadian government on making new policies. They also partner with other Inuit and Indigenous groups. These include ITK and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. They also support efforts to end violence against Indigenous women and girls.
