| 'Pauktuutit is the national non-profit association representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mandate is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.
The aims and objectives of Pauktuutit are to:
- unite the Inuit women of Canada;
- act and be recognized as the official representative for Inuit women;
- familiarize our children with Inuit values, heritage, culture and language;
- work towards better conditions for Inuit women;
- motivate Inuit women to realize their potential as individuals and as a group;
- promote self-confidence and self-reliance amongst Inuit women;
- encourage Inuit women to take their rightful place in society;
- work for the betterment of individual, family, community health and conditions through social and economic action;
- promote the rights of Inuit women and children;
- promote the equality of Inuit women in all levels of Canadian governmental and non-governmental structures;
- encourage the involvement of Inuit women in all levels of Canadian society; and,
- encourage communication between Inuit women and all aboriginal peoples.
Since its incorporation in 1984, Pauktuutit have addressed many of the serious social issues that affect our communities. We have undertaken comprehensive projects on family violence, child sexual abuse, housing, traditional Inuit midwifery and birthing practices, tobacco cessation, economic development, and clothing and child day care.' (Pauktuuiti Inuit Women's Association, 'About Us': http://www.pauktuutit.ca/about_e.asp (at 9 August 2005). |
