Towards autonomy of housing in Nunavik | Living in Northern Quebec Research Partnership скачать в хорошем качестве

Towards autonomy of housing in Nunavik | Living in Northern Quebec Research Partnership

Côté, Arianne (Étu-ch UL), Ikey, Olivia (Coll) (2022) Towards the autonomy of Inuit communities in the production of housing in Nunavik: Local engagement and citizen participation. Inuit Studies Conference, Winnipeg, 21 juin. Abstract : Based on the findings regarding the unsustainability of the current housing situation of Nunavik Inuit, the research addresses the question: how can the desire and value of Inuit autonomy support and qualify a culturally appropriate housing production system in Nunavik? We suppose that the particular way Inuit conceive and express the concept of autonomy can nourish the reflection on housing in northern communities. Testimonies and research on the subject lead us to believe that this desire for freedom is linked to the expression and protection of their identity and their differences. The form, location, and management of housing can therefore be a gateway to a renewal of ancestral Inuit policies, knowledge and values. This presentation will focus on the theoretical concepts that are important to address the issue of Inuit autonomy and the first findings of the research. In the first place, Inuit autonomy is studied in two ways : as a "political project" linked to the desire to protect the territory and as a "life project" based on the values and cultural practices of the people. The combination of these two aspects reveals six principles that conceptualize autonomy as a relation between the founding elements of land, water and sky. Then, Inuit housing is also observed as a political and cultural objects. The powers of governments and the institutions that represent them will be identified, as well as the elements influencing Inuit way to live and build. From there, the reconciliation of autonomy and housing could be a way to support Inuit self-reliance and to take a fresh look at issues related to their homes. The goal would be to provide opportunities for the Inuit people to have greater control over their living environments. Thumbnail : Houses in Cape Dorest, Ohotaq Mikkigak, Cape Dorset, 2011