Inuit Association of Manitoba (IAM)

Chelsea Bannatyne completed her field placement with the Inuit Association of Manitoba (IAM), an organization dedicated to advancing the rights, well-being, and cultural strength of Inuit living in Winnipeg. During her placement, she was tasked with researching and developing housing policy frameworks for the Inuit Women and Children’s Emergency Shelter and a Transitional Housing Program. These initiatives are vital in addressing housing insecurity while creating safe and supportive spaces for Inuit women and families. Her work was informed by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, which emphasize relationality, community well-being, and respect for Inuit knowledge. In developing the housing frameworks, Chelsea linked the current housing crisis to broader structural issues, including the impacts of colonialism, social determinants of health, gender-based violence, and systemic discrimination faced by Inuit in urban contexts. This analysis underscored how housing policy must be holistic, addressing not only immediate needs but also the deeper social and historical realities shaping Inuit experiences.

Reflecting on her placement, she shared: “A key learning from this experience was the central importance of Inuit-centric and distinctions-based approaches in shaping housing policy. Gaining a deeper understanding of Inuit history, culture, and lived experiences has been invaluable in recognizing how these frameworks ensure policies are responsive and grounded in the realities of the community.”