Engagement in the Canadian Red Cross : supporting Inuit youth to create change in their community

Abstract

This study explored how Inuit youth could be engaged in the development of Canadian Red Cross (CRC) Respect Education programs. While CRC delivers Respect Education programs across Canada, this study focused on service delivery in Nunavut and the involvement of Inuit youth to ensure programming met their learning needs and reflected their current realities. This inquiry utilized action research methodology, specifically photovoice and interviews, to gather data from Inuit youth, Nunavut teachers, and CRC staff. The findings of this inquiry suggested that CRC programs needed to be grounded in Inuit knowledge and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, to be developed through a youth-adult partnership model, and to be informed by ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness. This inquiry adhered to all Royal Roads University (2011) ethical requirements, the Nunavut Scientists Act (1988), and the Ethical Principles for the Conduct of Research in the North (Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies, 2003).