This paper simultaneously analyses some objective and subjective living conditions in Nunavut (federal territory of Canada located in the Arctic) in 2001: population, housing, language, education, economic activities, health, social problems and geographic mobility. It examines original descriptive statistics from the Survey of living conditions in the Arctic and other sources. In some cases the results confirm the ordinary depressing picture of Inuit conditions, but in other cases statistics qualify or even contradict such a picture. The overall findings show that despite objective difficult conditions, Nunavummiut living in Nunavut (primarily the elites and the lower class) are generally satisfied with their communities so that the majority wishes to remain there. Certain modern social institutions and individual rationalities are contributing to this situation: wage earning, market economy, utilitarian and consumption oriented approach, democratic state based on law, formal knowledge, individualism and the capacity for self analysis. The concepts of aspiration and mastery of one's own destiny seem accurate to explain the importance of education and employment in people's satisfaction, and their dissatisfaction about the housing situation. The existence of family and neighbourhood networks appears to explain both a certain residential stability and out migration, through the social support functions of these networks, in which sharing and exchanging food play a major role. In general, if most of Nunavummiut continue to live in the Arctic despite unfavourable conditions, it is not only because they are able to ensure their material existence there, but also because they attach a meaning to and believe that that is where they have the best chance to exert the highest degree of control over their personal and domestic reality.

ABSTRACT. This article measures for the first time the scope of poverty in Inuit Nunangat, the four regions of the Canadian Arctic where Inuit people live. On the basis of a monetary definition of poverty, we propose and apply a method adapted to key characteristics of the Inuit condition. For each region, we developed a low income measure (LIM) that takes household composition and consumer prices into account, using data from the master file of the 2006 Census of Canada and surveys by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada on the Revised Northern Food Basket. For Inuit Nunangat as a whole, the low income measure was $22 216 and the low income rate (LIR) was 44%. Values vary among regions: in Nunavik, for example, the low income rate is 37.5%. However, throughout Inuit Nunangat, poverty rates are significantly higher than those observed in Canada. We recommend further statistical exploration to better identify not only the factors correlated with households living in poverty, but also a qualitative approach to produce an Inuit emic perspective. Both tools are necessary for informed policy to fight against poverty.Key words: poverty; income; measurement; methodology; Inuit Nunangat; Inuvialuit; Nunavut; Nunavik; Nunatsiavut; Canada RÉSUMÉ. Cet article mesure, pour la première fois, l'étendue de la pauvreté dans l'Inuit Nunangat, les quatre régions de l'Arctique canadien habitées par les Inuits. En nous fondant sur une définition monétaire de la pauvreté, nous proposons une méthode qui tient compte de caractéristiques de la condition inuite : pour chacune des régions, nous avons développé une mesure du faible revenu (MFR) qui reflète la composition des ménages par l'utilisation des données du fichier-maître du Recensement du Canada de 2006, et les prix à la consommation par l'utilisation des données du Panier de provision nordique révisé calculé par le ministère des Affaires autochtones et du Développement du Nord du Canada. Pour l'ensemble de l'Inuit Nunangat, la mesure du faible revenu (MFR) obtenue se situait à 22 216 $, et le taux de faible revenu (TFR) était de 44 %. Les résultats varient selon les régions : au Nunavik, par exemple, le taux de faible revenu est de 37,5 %. Néanmoins, les taux de pauvreté dans l'Inuit Nunangat sont significativement plus élevés que ceux observés au Canada. Nous recommandons que des études subséquentes approfondissent la question, d'abord des études statistiques avancées pour identifier les caractéristiques associées à la pauvreté monétaire, ensuite des études qualitatives pour dépasser la définition monétaire de la pauvreté et parvenir à une définition émique, c'est-à-dire, une définition qui rendrait compte de la perception inuite de la pauvreté. Ces deux types d'études constitueraient des apports nécessaires pour mieux orienter les politiques de lutte à la pauvreté.

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