Housing Policy Development for Inuit Women and Children

By Chelsea Bannatyne, 2nd year MDP student 

Hello! My name is Chelsea Bannatyne, and I recently completed my practicum with the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA). During my time with MIA, I had the opportunity to work on policy research and development focused on supporting Inuit women and children who are experiencing the impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) and housing insecurity. My work was centered on drafting policy frameworks for the Inuit Women and Children’s Shelter and a Transitional Housing Program. These initiatives provide a vital part of the housing continuum—offering immediate safety and longer-term stability for Inuit women and families. I was particularly focused on ensuring these programs were holistic in nature, considering not only immediate housing needs but also emotional, mental, and cultural support.

A critical component of my role was ensuring the policies reflected Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, which emphasize kinship, community, and traditional ways of knowing. This Inuit-centric approach is essential because it ensures that the shelter and housing programs are not only effective in providing physical shelter but also culturally appropriate.

Additionally, my work aligns with the Urban Inuit Strategy and the broader Urban Inuit community dialogue. This strategic framework aims to address the unique challenges faced by Inuit communities living in urban settings, including housing insecurity, mental health, and cultural disconnection. The policies for the Inuit women’s shelters and transitional housing directly support these strategic goals by promoting self-determination, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing community-driven solutions.

On a day-to-day basis, I reviewed housing policies, analyzed national frameworks, and translated these into plain-language tools for staff and community members. I also contributed to creating frontline staff guidelines, which focus on trauma-informed care, understanding cultural complexities, and recognizing the unique barriers that Inuit women face in accessing services.

Completing this practicum was an incredibly rewarding experience. It reinforced my belief that policy must be both impactful and culturally grounded. By working on housing initiatives that are rooted in Inuit values and aligned with the Urban Inuit Strategy, I was able to see firsthand how policy research can support both safety and long-term community empowerment.