Inuit Leader Urges PM Trudeau to Safeguard Child Services Program

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed has written to Prime Minister Trudeau, urging him to affirm the government’s commitment to the Inuit Child First Initiative. Launched in 2019 to support Jordan’s Principle, the program provides essential services for Inuit children, including speech-language pathology, treatments for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, school nutrition programs, and food voucher benefits. Obed warned that the abrupt cessation of funding, which could leave many families struggling, might further expose them to systemic racial discrimination in accessing health and education services.

Community feedback underscores the program’s critical role in addressing issues such as food insecurity and poor health outcomes in Nunavut. Local officials, such as those from Iqaluit, have expressed alarm over the potential program shutdown, highlighting how many Inuit children rely on these services that have replaced reliance on local soup kitchens. Concerns were echoed in a recent survey by the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, where residents described the program as a transformative element in reducing visits to health centers and ensuring better nutrition for children.

Negotiations have been ongoing for a long-term funding model, with Inuit treaty organizations seeking a shared responsibility agreement from Ottawa. However, Obed noted growing frustration over the lack of clear strategic direction from federal officials, including Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, with some governors in Nunavut also voicing concerns. Although a steering committee met in January to develop a viable plan, many in the community worry that ongoing indecision may force the government to cut its budget for essential Indigenous programs amid broader political and fiscal debates.