Abstract
The disproportionate impact of respiratory health conditions and illnesses on the Inuit population is rooted in gross health and social inequities that persist between Inuit and non-Inuit Canadians. These inequities result from the intersecting effects of colonialism, racism, and social exclusion. These respiratory conditions are amplified by the prevalence of risk factors in the built environments in Nunavik. The CINUK-funded research project, 鈥淩esilient Responses to Protect Lung Health In Nunavik鈥�, co-led by Dr. Faiz Khan aims to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Nunavik鈥檚 health and housing services to strengthen and protect lung health.
As part of my practicum, I assisted with the set-up of the project, helping design the participatory mixed methods research approach that will inform the community lung health worker pilot (Objective 1 of the project). Additionally, I worked on a scoping review on research related to cultural safety in the Canadian healthcare system which aims to hold researchers accountable in addressing anti-Indigenous racism. I also helped wrap-up the Anirniq project whose findings on acceptable smoking cessation interventions in Nunavik will help inform future investments in the region.
During my practicum, I drafted part of the protocol and accompanying materials as well as a multi-pronged participant recruitment strategy for the CINUK-funded research project. I helped prepare the protocol and tool for the cultural safety scoping review with the team. Lastly, I helped finalize the draft report and presentations for the Anirniq project.