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Sewing and Inuit women's health in the Canadian Arctic

Author

Listed:
  • Emanuelsen, Kristin
  • Pearce, Tristan
  • Oakes, Jill
  • Harper, Sherilee L.
  • Ford, James D.

Abstract

Traditional Inuit cultural values and practices are integral to an Inuit understanding of health. We examine the role of sewing in Inuit women’s health in the Canadian Arctic in a case study of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. An analysis of data collected using semi-structured interviews with 30 Inuit women reveals that sewing contributes to participant’s health and the collective health of the community in several ways including: pride and sense of accomplishment; cultural identity; relaxation, decompression, and socialization; and spirituality and healing. As a cultural practice, sewing is about older generations teaching younger generations about their identity, who they are and where they come from. For some participants, sewing is a way through which they express their culture. Sewing brings people together at a time when social isolation is becoming more apparent, and gives women the chance to learn vital, tangible skills that continue to have social, economic, and cultural importance. Sewing is also a form of healing that helps women ease their minds and focus on a challenging and productive task that brings them satisfaction, self-worth, and value. We conclude that sewing is important for cultural continuity, enabling Inuit to both practice and carryon their culture, and contributing positively to individual and the collective health of the community.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuelsen, Kristin & Pearce, Tristan & Oakes, Jill & Harper, Sherilee L. & Ford, James D., 2020. "Sewing and Inuit women's health in the Canadian Arctic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:265:y:2020:i:c:s0277953620307425
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113523
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cunsolo Willox, Ashlee & Harper, Sherilee L. & Ford, James D. & Landman, Karen & Houle, Karen & Edge, Victoria L., 2012. "“From this place and of this place:” Climate change, sense of place, and health in Nunatsiavut, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(3), pages 538-547.
    2. Ford, James D. & Macdonald, Joanna Petrasek & Huet, Catherine & Statham, Sara & MacRury, Allison, 2016. "Food policy in the Canadian North: Is there a role for country food markets?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 35-40.
    3. Christie, Laird & Halpern, Joel M., 1990. "Temporal constructs and inuit mental health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 739-749, January.
    4. Anna Bunce & James Ford & Sherilee Harper & Victoria Edge, 2016. "Vulnerability and adaptive capacity of Inuit women to climate change: a case study from Iqaluit, Nunavut," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 83(3), pages 1419-1441, September.
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