This maternal and child health project is led by Inuk Elder Rassi Nashalik of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and explores the question: “How can we make birthing experiences more comfortable for Inuit from the Kitikmeot Region?”. The Kitikmeot Region was chosen because it is the only region in Nunavut where women are medically evacuated out of the territory to give birth in Yellowknife, creating unique emotional, cultural, and logistical challenges for families that differ from other regions.

From March – August 2025, a small team led by Elder Nashalik started early engagement for a maternal health project. The team met with twelve individuals, including doulas, midwives, researchers, maternal healthcare providers, and students, to develop a project with the goal of better understanding the experiences of women and families from the Kitikmeot Region who travel to Yellowknife to give birth. The aim of the project is to develop recommendations that centre on Inuit cultural practices and improve care and support for those travelling for birth.