Who we are
We are a team of Inuit-led and Inuit-specific organizations and academic health researchers who are active in health care systems that provide services to communities in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut and in Ottawa, Ontario.
We have been working to enhance opportunities for Inuit to participate in decisions about their healthcare, in a research project we call “Not Deciding Alone.” Not Deciding Alone aims to support Inuit self-determination [1] by utilizing a process called “shared decision making”. Shared decision making is when a person experiencing a health issue works together with healthcare providers, to make decisions about their health [2,3]. Shared decision making upholds person- centred care and supports positive health outcomes [4].
How we work together
Our team’s research partnerships and ways of working together are structured to ensure inclusion of people from Inuit-led and/or Inuit-specific organizations. Our team consists of a Steering Committee who guides the work, and academic research members. The role of the academic research members is to take action on the guidance from the Steering Committee. Our team uses a collaborative approach to research, to share knowledge, and to work together for a common goal. We meet regularly, usually once a month, to connect, reflect and make decisions on how to move our work forward.
Steering Committee
I like that this committee includes many Inuit who also want to contribute to the expansion of this knowledge wherever Inuit might be.
Malaya is a proud Inuk woman, born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut now living in Aylmer, Quebec with her husband Tim.” Malaya is the President of Larga Baffin Ltd. In Ottawa, Ontario. Larga Baffin is a medical boarding home for Inuit who travel from Nunavut for medical purposes. Larga provides a home like atmosphere for Inuit. Providing meals, accommodations, transportation to and from airport and appointments. Malaya is fully bilingual in Inuktitut and English.
Malaya has over 20 years experience working with Inuit Organizations and has served on several boards with first-hand experience with Board membership, corporate governance, human resources, and administration. Malaya is an accomplished professional who is a highly skilled bridge between private sectors and government. She is driven to better the lives of all Nunavumiut through employment, training development and mentorship. Malaya is also the owner of an Inuit consulting company, Malti Consulting Ltd. Malaya has three grown children and three step-children and is also a proud grandma. For Malaya, Not deciding alone work is meaningful for Inuit who are going through the healthcare journey, to have a better understanding of the processes that your journey does not end with you, you have options to have family members involved in the say of your health and not having to make difficult decisions alone.
Kelly (kaummajuk) is Inuk and Settler, born in central Labrador. As a youth, she split her time between practicing traditional ways in Labrador and living in the south. She graduated with her bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2009 and has 13 years of experience in the helping field including mental health counselling for the Inuit community, as the clinical team lead for a counselling team, and most recently, as the Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Mamisarvik Healing Centre in Ottawa. Kelly has also participated in activism with regard to resource extraction projects and appropriate access to healthcare supports. As such, Kelly has diverse competencies in mental health, group facilitation, advocacy, housing supports management and community consultation. Kelly believes the path to healing is through culture and reconnection.
For years, Kelly has been a voice in the creation of an Inuit model of wellness – including, most recently, the Inuit Mental Health Model – a decolonial approach to mental health training for Inuit. She continues to participate in such through collaborative explorations of what Inuit mental health means via consultation with collateral resources and community members and uses this information to steer necessary program/structural development. Kelly has a passion for healing, mental wellness, and Inuit excellence that she channels into all the work she does. In her spare time, Kelly is invested in fitness and the mind-body connection.For Kelly, Not Deciding Alone work means breaking down barriers that have previously prevented Inuit from fully understanding they have choices, and respecting Inuit to make these choices in an informed, collaborative way.
Theresa has extensive experience with the Government of Nunavut Department of Health. She was a community health representative in Iqaluit, and has now been the Territorial Community Health Representative Coordinator (TCHRC) for many years. She is based in Iqaluit at the Department’s Headquarters, where her knowledge of community level needs, experience in the nursing program, and good-natured attitude, contribute to building great programs at the community level and great programs to support all of our amazing CHRs. Her education background is in nursing, health promotion, research and emerging leadership.
In the work that Theresa does with the Government of Nunavut, she utilizes the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles* (IQ principles are the Inuit societal values and bring the expertise to health and wellness of Inuit) to the team she works with. She often participates in consultations on behalf of the Department of Health Government of Nunavut on initiatives that relate to health and wellness of Inuit. Theresa also delivers training on health promotion related to Community Health Representatives (CHRs) across Nunavut pertaining to their roles and responsibilities to further build their knowledge, skills and competencies in the roles they do.
Mackenzie Daybutch works at The Ottawa Hospital as the Program Coordinator for the Regional Indigenous Cancer Program. Mackenzie is Ojibway from Mississauga First Nation #8 in North-Eastern Ontario, where she is a status band member, bear clan and inter-generational residential school survivor. Mackenzie holds diplomas in Social Services, Child and Youth Counselling and Indigenous Studies.
Mackenzie’s work experience involves child welfare, education, case management and crisis intervention in the non-profit and residential sectors. Her passion is in the field of health care and she advocates strongly for social justice and equitable services for Indigenous people. Mackenzie brings a wealth of knowledge from the community level, for both urban Indigenous populations and on-reserve Indigenous populations. She hopes that one day all Indigenous and marginalized folks will experience a place of belonging within the medical sector.
Hi, My name is Meeka N. Uniuqsaraq. I am originally from Niaqunguk/Apex Hill, Iqaluit, Nunavut. I have 2 adult sons and 3 beautiful young Grandsons. My late Parents, Geosah and Mary Uniuqsaraq were originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut.I have also lived in Ottawa, On and now am residing in Toronto, On for 7 years now.
I have been fortunate to have represented for our Inuit living in the urban city of Toronto, ON among all nations. I have been asked for 4 years to do opening and closing prayers or to light my traditional Inuit Seal oil lamp(Qullik), to teach all Nations or people either through.in person or through the Zoom since the pandemic years. I have also been recently going to our Tungasuvvingat Inuit office to meet other Inuit whom are residing in the Greater Toronto Area and learning to do either arts and crafts with each other.
Carly works at Tungasuvvingat Inuit as the Manager of Healing and Wellness promotion. She was raised in Chelsea, QC as a competitive ski racer and fitness lover. Growing up, Carly was exposed to Indigenous chiefs, leaders, and cultural gatherings as her mother was a lawyer serving Inuit, Metis, and Indigenous communities. As a result, Carly felt called to follow her mothers’ footsteps and dive into a career of supporting such communities.
She attended The University of New Hampshire for BSc. Kinesiology, and here is where she gained further exposure to supporting under-represented communities. She has founded an exercise wellness group for pregnant and post-partum women, to guide them through their pregnancy and post-partum journey. Her goal is to foster community, safe movement, and to promote both spiritual and emotional wellness with every community she crosses paths with. She returned to Ottawa to complete her MSc. in Health Sciences before starting at Tungasuvvingat Inuit. Her passion is to create a more accessible healthcare system where the healthcare team is educated on Indigenous, Metis and Inuit culture and history.
Carly would love to see a more harmonious environment within the medical sector and believes the work that Not Deciding Alone, and the valuable input from community members living the experience of adjusting to Urban healthcare, is the best way to achieve this goal.
Felicia Adelaja comes from a public health background and has a deep commitment to care that’s both culturally safe and rooted in community. In her current role as Assistant Director for Healing and Wellness at Tungasuvvingat Inuit, she supports initiatives that center Inuit voices, values, and wellness practices.
Previously, Felicia managed the Ontario Inuit Cancer Program, where she led the development and implementation of Inuit-specific health initiatives. Her approach is all about following the community’s lead, working together in a meaningful way, and advocating for health systems that are culturally responsive to the unique needs of Inuit.
With a strong belief in the shared decision-making model, Felicia sees it as a vital tool for enhancing Inuit wellness and self-determination in health care decisions. She is passionate about creating spaces where Inuit individuals and families can make informed choices about their health, in partnership with care providers.
Juan Bermudez works as Coordinator for the Ontario Inuit Cancer Program at Tungasuvvingat Inuit. He holds diplomas in Psychology and Addictions & Mental Health, and has worked across a range of mental health settings, including counselling centres, residential treatment programs, crisis response teams, case management, and community-based initiatives. Juan is passionate about promoting equitable, culturally safe access to healthcare and healthy living.
His background in trauma work, addictions, and community engagement informs his contributions to the Not Deciding Alone Committee, where he advocates for inclusive, trauma-informed care. Juan’s experiences in both South America and Canada have shaped his conviction that shared decision-making in healthcare is essential to addressing systemic barriers and supporting community-informed healing practices. He brings an informed perspective to community-based interventions and health promotion, alongside a lifelong love of sports.
Jemimah currently serves as the Manager of the Ontario Inuit Cancer Program at Tungasuvvingat Inuit, where she leads initiatives that are specifically designed to address the unique needs and priorities of Inuit communities. Her work is centered on Inuit-specific health projects, with a strong focus on culturally safe care and community-driven solutions.She holds a master’s degree in public health, which informs her strategic and evidence-based approach to program design and health promotion. Jemimah is dedicated to advancing health equity and supporting Inuit self-determination within healthcare systems.
Having lived in three different countries, India, England, and now Canada, Jemimah brings a diverse worldview to her role. These international experiences have deepened her appreciation for cultural nuances and the value of inclusive, respectful communication. She is a strong advocate for shared decision-making in healthcare, believing that collaborative approaches are essential to building trust and achieving better outcomes for Inuit.
Jacqueline is the Executive Director at OHSNI. OHSNI employees use the Not Deciding Alone principles every day. Jacqueline has an undergraduate degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Applied Human Sciences. She has over 25 years of experience in health care.
Originally from Northern Quebec, she has worked in urban and rural areas in both Ontario and Quebec. OHSNI is dedicated to ensuring our medical travellers receive equitable health care, which aligns deeply with her principles.Working with partners on Not Deciding Alone has been a highlight of her career.
Louisa Kipsigak, a dedicated resident of a small town in Igloolik, actively contributes to her community both professionally and through her involvement in local initiatives. As a Community Health Representative, she plays a crucial role in promoting health and well-being by providing education, support, and advocacy to ensure residents have access to essential health services. Additionally, Louisa is a Steering Committee member of ‘Not Deciding Alone,’ where she works to empower her community and promote collective decision-making. Her commitment to health and community development highlights her passion for improving lives in Igloolik.
Susie Onalik has worked as a Community Health Representative for the past 7.5 years in a small, close-knit community in Nunavut. Susie plays an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of residents through education, advocacy, and frontline services.
Susie believes the Not Deciding Alone project is a valuable initiative that helps prepare individuals and families who must travel south for medical care. She understands that being unprepared for such a journey, leaving behind the comfort of home, familiar faces, language, and culture, can add stress to an already difficult situation. The project helps to ensure that people are informed about what to expect while away from their community.
Dr. Greene is a mother of three and step-Mom of two children who grew up in Newfoundland. She studied Medicine at Memorial University and completed her Residency in Family Medicine with Dalhousie University. Following her studies, Dr. Greene moved to Canada’s Arctic and practiced medicine for 13 years; during that time she completed a short Fellowship in Ottawa with the GyneOncology team in regards to colposcopy services and cervical cancer screening.
Dr. Greene has a passion for breaking barriers in order to ensure equitable health care for Indigenous peoples. She now resides in the Ottawa area as a family physician and has been the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead since 2015. The role of the Cancer Lead has allowed Dr. Greene to remain involved with care for Nunavummiut. It has also broadened her knowledge and understanding for other indigenous groups in our region. She is devoted to ensuring our First Nations, Metis and Inuit clients are represented and cared for in an equitable manner.
Ottawa Health Services Network Inc. (OHSNI) is a dedicated team supporting medical travelers in Ottawa. We connect residents of the Qikiqtani (Baffin Island) region in Nunavut with the health and wellness services they need.Led by Jacqueline Dorval, the OHSNI supports consist of the Inuit medical interpreter team, social workers, case managers, referral coordinators, and a partner with the Inuit Child First Initiative (CFI) team. Our work is collaborative and person-centered and embraces the values of “Not Deciding Alone”.OHSNI is proud to partner with others and contributes to a network of support and care within the health system.
Aimo Akulukjuk is a Pangnirtung resident and Community Health Representative who works to promote health and well-being through education, support, and advocacy. She helps ensure community members can access essential health services and is an active Steering Committee member of Not Deciding Alone, contributing to project activities and collective decision-making. Her work demonstrates a deep commitment to community health and development.
Ida has worked as a Medical Interpreter with OHSNI for 27 years. Ida plays an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of Inuit attending medical appointments. Ida believes that the Not Deciding Alone project has helped and peaked interest in different places outside of Canada, of which she is very proud. Ida is also proud that when Not Deciding Alone started, it was a small group, and has grown into a large, wonderful group.
Lily was born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut. She enjoys helping people and went to Nursing school, then practised in the ER. She is currently the Manager for the Regional Cancer Program at Tungasuvvingat Inuit and a facilitator trainer for Inunnguiniq Parenting Program. Lily loves spending time with her family (especially her Grandchildren) and spending time with Elders and learning from them.
Researchers
I really enjoy being part of this team and working alongside the Steering Committee and the broader networks we’re connected to. Collaborating together is both rewarding and energizing and there are so many thoughtful and inspiring ideas being shared. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to work with our team, Inuit community partners, and others in our networks. It means a great deal to learn together about how to make respect and kindness central to best practices in research and health care.
Dr. Janet Jull is a settler of Euro-Canadian descent and an Associate Professor at Carleton University and a Canada Research Chair in Accessibility and Person-Centred Care. Janet is the lead researcher for Not Deciding Alone.
Before entering academia, Janet worked as a health care provider and became deeply concerned by the ways in which care systems often failed to meet the needs of the people they are meant to serve. This experience led Janet to pursue research in partnerships with people and their communities. Her work focuses on improving opportunities for people to participate in their health decision making.
Janet also studies how to conduct research in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and collaborative. Through Not Deciding Alone, she has been working with Inuit and those who provide care services to Inuit, in research co-production of shared decision-making tools and approaches that reflect Inuit values, priorities, and knowledge systems.
Paula Onalik is an Inuk, born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut. She is a recent graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. With aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, Paula is passionate about enhancing culturally safe and informed health care services for Inuit. For Paula, Not Deciding Alone provides an invaluable voice for Inuit in care systems, and she is thrilled to contribute to the team’s mission. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, participating in cultural activities, as well as hiking through the scenic landscapes of her home community.
Our team is made up of diverse and passionate members and is built on long-term relationships and partnership. The way that we do what we do is reflexive, and we are constantly thinking about and discussing how we can continue to do better and how our work can be most useful. That willingness to work together, adapt and evolve over time is what I think makes this project and team exciting and meaningful.
Brittany has been a part of the Not Deciding Alone team since 2019, as a Steering Committee member, then moving into a researcher role in 2021. Brittany previously worked at Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) in the cancer program and at Mamisarvik Healing Centre. Her experiences working at TI in community fostered a commitment to improving health equity and reconciliation and motivates her work in public health today.
Now based in Toronto, Brittany works in research and policy for a local public health unit and continues to support the Not Deciding Alone team in a variety of ways. What she values most about the Not Deciding Alone team are the relationships at the centre of our work and how we work together to create a space to continually learn, share and show up authentically.Brittany has an MPH in Social and Behavioural Health Sciences from Dalla Lana School of Public Health (University of Toronto) and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®).
Sarah Roggie brings over 15 years of experience in health services. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Western University, as well as a Master of Nursing Science and Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioners from the University of Ottawa. Currently, she teaches undergraduate nursing students in their clinical placements and works as the project coordinator for bringing Not Deciding Alone training to healthcare professionals. Sarah is passionate about advancing quality improvement in health systems to enhance the experience and outcomes for both practitioners and patients. When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys spending time in nature with her two dogs and singing in a community choir.
Katy Pollock is a northern-based evaluator with over a decade of experience advancing equity, Indigenous partnership, and public sector transformation in the fields of health, education, and community wellness. She has worked in the Government of Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and Tłı̨chǫ Government and specializes in designing and implementing strategic evaluation and engagement initiatives in complex political and intergovernmental contexts. Katy holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Public Administration from Concordia University and is completing a PhD in Health Sciences at Carleton University, where her research focuses on inclusive and participatory evaluation methods that center children’s perspectives.
Rebecca Sweetman is an educator, researcher, and designer working at the intersections of higher education, pluriversal design, and social justice. She currently serves as Associate Director, Learning Environments (Digital & Physical) at Queen’s University, where she leads strategic initiatives to create inclusive, accessible, and technology-enhanced spaces for teaching and learning. Rebecca is also a PhD Candidate in Health Sciences at Carleton University, where her research explores how transition design and equity-centred pedagogy can transform education for better societal outcomes.
Sadaf Amini studied Music Performance and received her Master’s Degree in Music Technology and Digital Media from the University of Toronto. Alongside her work as a freelance musician and multimedia producer, Sadaf has supported artistic and technical projects in a variety of settings, including concert halls as a technician assistant and, more recently, Queen’s University as a Multimedia Producer.Her role with Not Deciding Alone is both exciting and meaningful, offering opportunities to learn new knowledge, contribute multimedia skills, and collaborate with a team deeply committed to supporting Inuit and Indigenous health and wellness.
Friends of
Ms. Kimberly Fairman is Nunavummiut and her home community is Taloyoak, NU. She joined the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR) as Executive Director after over 20 years in the federal and territorial public service with senior responsibilities in all three northern territories. She was trained as a nurse at Aurora College and completed a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Alberta. She plays an important role by engaging with communities and building northern capacity for health research. Kimberly is showcasing the valuable contribution of northern communities, practitioners and indigenous knowledge holders to the modern research agenda. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health, and is a member of the Polar Knowledge Board of Directors.
Gwen Barton has worked for more than 20 years in health and social services. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Queen’s University and a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa. She works closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partner organizations in the Champlain Region and in Nunavut and is passionate about improving access to care and the overall cancer care experience for all.
Carolyn Roberts is The Ottawa Hospital’s first Indigenous Nurse Navigator for the Indigenous Cancer Program. Since 2016 she has pioneered a suite of innovative interventions that help traditionally marginalized patients, particularly the Inuit of the far north, to exercise their autonomy in health care decisions. In a very short time her approach has gone from radical to indispensable. Carolyn’s work with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities have been highlighted at the regional, provincial, national and International levels through various media interviews, multiple hospital and university speaking engagements (McGill, Mount Royal, Carleton) and various recognitions and awards. Carolyn and the Indigenous Cancer Team are seeing a change in culture within our interprofessional team. Their understanding and genuine care and concern for improving the patient experience is at times very palpable in a complex health care system.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution. In 2017, Alex qualified as an accredited Child Protection Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. Alex has spent her career working alongside the Indigenous community in the field of consultation and child welfare. Alex currently works for Tungasuvvingat Inuit as the Senior Policy and Program Advisor within the Kamatsiarniq (child welfare) Team. When she’s not working, Alex enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
References
[1] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). (2018). National Inuit Research Strategy.
[2] Makoul, G. and Clayman, M. (2006). An integrative model of shared decision making in medical encounters. Patient Education and Counseling, v. 60(3).
[3] Coulter, A., and Collins, A. (2011). Making Shared Decision-Making a Reality. The King’s Fund.
[4] Frosch D, Moulton B, Wexler R, Holmes-Rovner M, Volk R, Levin C. (2011). Shared decision making in the United States: policy and implementation activity on multiple fronts. Journal of Evidence and Quality in Health Care: v. 105(4)