“We don’t have the words in Inuktitut”: Pharmacy translations in Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

In efforts to preserve and revitalize Aboriginal languages, recently introduced language legislation in Nunavut, Canada requires the availability of all essential services in Inuit languages. In Nunavut, the majority of inhabitants speak an Inuit language as their mother tongue but pharmaceutical health care is currently only available in English or French. Some challenges to legislative compliance include multiple dialects spoken across the Territory, the absence of any standardized Inuit terminology, and a complete absence of any pharmacists or pharmacy technicians who speak an Inuit language. Language concordant pharmacy health care is essential as it informs patient understanding of dosing instructions, side effects and treatment rationale which reduce adverse drug events, increase patient adherence and maximize the benefits of pharmacotherapy. The development of Inuit pharmaceutical terminology enhances the appreciation of Inuit language adaptability, while building cross-cultural understandings of biomedical and Inuit wellness ideologies and practices. The engagement of Nunavummiut will be essential to address challenges and to ensure that the full advantages of Inuit pharmacy health care can be realized however, the benefits of Inuit language pharmaceutical health care offer an important contribution to the health and well-being of Nunavummiut.

Keywords

• aboriginal/indigenous health
• circumpolar
• language
• pharmacy health care
• translations