Nunavut creates first health glossary in all 4 territorial languages

Nunavut’s Department of Culture and Heritage has produced a human anatomy glossary in the 4 official languages of the territory: Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English, and French. The glossary is designed to facilitate communication among medical practitioners, interpreters, and patients. “During times of stress, it is common for patients to revert to their first language, their mother tongue,” said Minister Paul Okalik. The illustrated glossary—called Timiup Kisukuttilimaangita Taiguusingit—has more than 400 terms relating to the human body; the government consulted more than 75 Elders, health professionals, and interpreters during the creation of the guide. The glossary will be distributed to health centres throughout the territory and used as a reference guide by the Department of Health and Nunavut Arctic College. Nunatsiaq Online | CBC