All aboard: Inuit board CCGS Amundsen icebreaker to take part in Nunavik health study
CBC News | Posted: September 4, 2017 10:00 AM | Last Updated: September 4, 2017
Northern Quebec health study brings people to the CCGS Amundsen icebreaker on barges
Roughly 2,000 Inuit from all 14 Nunavik communities are now taking part in the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 health study. Qanuilirpitaa? means 'How are we' in Inuktitut.
It's happening 15 years after a similar study highlighted a number of health and food security issues for people in the area.
People like Philip Nunga, 65, in Inukjuak, donned life jackets for the trip. Participants in the survey will be clinically tested for illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
Participants can shelter from the wind on a barge that ferries them to the CCGS Amundsen.
Once participants board the Canadian research icebreaker, an interviewer asks them questions about their health and lifestyle.
A dentist is also taking part in the project.
Baby Peter, just two months old, is the son of 19-year-old Asiinn Ningiuk, right. Peter is her second child to take part in the 2017 Qanuilirpitaa? health study on the CCGS Amundsen.
Ningiuk leaves with a smile.
After the checkup, it's time to head back on the barge.
The barge leaves the CCGS Amundsen, taking participants back to the Inukjuak harbour.