ITK published its Inuit-Specific Definition of Human Trafficking, developed by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inuit Caucus, which ITK chairs. The definition says trafficking involving Inuit most commonly includes sexual exploitation or forced labour, while recognizing that coercion can be overt or subtle. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The definition specifically names circumstances that occur in Nunavut and across Inuit Nunangat, including inadequate or unstable housing, gaps in Inuktut services, child-welfare and justice-system involvement, and travel for health care, education, incarceration or safety. It gives service providers and governments an Inuit-specific framework for recognizing risks that may not fit narrower public understandings of trafficking. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

ITK’s July 29 publication does not announce an implementation plan, a funding commitment, a change to Nunavut law or a required change for territorial service providers. Atiilu News Desk should monitor whether the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, police, shelters, health providers or other agencies formally adopt or use the definition.

ITK says Inuit women are disproportionately affected, while Inuit of any gender may be trafficked. The organization says trafficking can occur within Inuit communities, elsewhere in Canada and across borders. This item should be framed as an Inuit organization’s published definition, not as a prevalence finding or a new government policy. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗