As the Canadian government ramps up its military presence in the Arctic, Inuit leaders are advocating for a shift in focus towards social services, drawing inspiration from Greenland’s tailored Nordic model. With infrastructure projects promising increased military capabilities, advocates argue that Canada should look to Greenland’s approach to social welfare, which prioritises culturally relevant healthcare, education, and housing.
A Call for Change
During a recent visit to Nuuk, Greenland, Lukasi Whiteley-Tukkiapik, the director of Saqijuq, an Inuit wellness organisation based in Kujjuaq, Quebec, expressed a pressing need for Canada to learn from the Danish territory. He highlighted that the social services available to Inuit in Greenland are markedly superior to those in Canada’s Arctic regions. “There is a lot that we can learn from them,” he stated, noting that his community’s resources are inferior, even when compared to Iqaluit.
Whiteley-Tukkiapik’s remarks come at a significant time as Ottawa seeks to strengthen its military infrastructure in the Far North. Inuit communities are hopeful that this military expansion could coincide with much-needed improvements in social services.
Greenland’s Proven Model of Welfare
Greenland’s success in providing comprehensive social services is attributed to its unique governance structure as a self-governing territory of Denmark. The region has established universal healthcare, free dental care for children, subsidised childcare, and educational services that are often tuition-free. Steven Arnfjord, a professor at the University of Greenland and head of the Centre for Arctic Welfare, remarked on the advancements made in Greenland, stating that they are “generations ahead” in offering culturally appropriate services.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Nuuk boasts a modern hospital with a capacity four times greater than that of Iqaluit, despite having only 2.5 times the population. Furthermore, Greenland has made significant strides towards sustainability, with 87 per cent of its energy sourced from hydroelectricity in 2022, compared to Nunavut’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, both Greenland and Inuit communities in Canada face serious social issues, including high rates of suicide and tuberculosis. However, Whiteley-Tukkiapik pointed out that Greenland prioritises addressing these challenges more effectively. “Their health network, the social programmes, the way that they tackle suicide prevention – they have a lot of good programmes in place and they are working on them,” he noted.
Arnfjord emphasised the importance of Inuit leadership in managing social services funding from Copenhagen, which ensures that social workers are culturally competent and familiar with the communities they serve. This contrasts sharply with the experience of many Indigenous people in Canada, who often encounter social workers unfamiliar with their unique cultural contexts.
Moving Forward: Infrastructure and Sovereignty
As Canada embarks on its military expansion in the Arctic, experts warn that this development must not ignore the pressing need for improved infrastructure and services in Inuit communities. Andrea Charron, director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba, stated that military bases and airfields can only thrive in areas with adequate housing and social services.
“Military buildup will only benefit locals if it respects Inuit sovereignty and offers dedicated funding over years,” Charron explained, cautioning that past federal promises have often fallen short. She pointed out the risk of what she terms “Arctic distraction disorder,” where federal enthusiasm for Northern development fades after initial bursts of funding.
The potential for growth in the Arctic is immense, but it must be rooted in genuine engagement with Indigenous communities. “Growing, healthy communities are a bulwark against foreign interference,” Charron noted, highlighting the importance of comprehensive social services in maintaining local stability and resilience.
Why it Matters
The dialogue around Inuit access to social services in Canada cannot be overlooked, especially as military interests in the Arctic grow. Embracing the lessons from Greenland’s social model could pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for Inuit communities across Canada. As Ottawa contemplates its military strategy, it must prioritise the well-being of its Indigenous populations, ensuring that investments in the North lead to lasting improvements in health, education, and housing. Only then can the true potential of the Arctic be realised.
