Akna, an Inuk mother discovers available benefits
Disclaimer
The story and characters are fictional but inspired by common experiences. References to program and benefits offer general information and help you explore options for planning your family's future. For more complete details, please visit the Government of Canada benefits page.
Akna’s Story
Akna is a 25-year-old Inuk woman living in Arviat, Nunavut. One morning, her quiet life changes: she finds out she’s pregnant. She feels both happy and nervous. Living far from city services, she thinks about the challenges many Indigenous women face when trying to get prenatal care.
For many Inuit women, pregnancy means facing personal and systemic challenges. Canada’s colonial history has made it harder to access care but knowing what help is available can make a big difference.
Finding help close to home
At her local health centre, a nurse talks to Akna about programs that support pregnant women. She shares information respectfully and understands the strengths of Indigenous communities. She also explains that accessing help can still be hard, because of unfair systems that continue today. Akna learns about maternity and parental benefits. These give her money to take time off and stay home with her baby.
Starting with small steps
Akna joins the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) in her community. Through it, she receives prenatal vitamins, food coupons, and advice about healthy eating. She also qualifies for the Non-insured health benefits program for First Nations and Inuit. This covers the cost of travel to medical appointments, prescription medications, mental health support, dental and eye care.
Akna also learns that filing taxes is important, even with a low income. This helps her qualify for long-term supports like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and GST/HST credit to help her raise her child.
If you need to travel for medical reasons, you may be allowed to bring a partner or escort with you. This can be especially helpful during pregnancy or when travelling long distances.
Leaving home to give birth
Like many expectant mothers in Nunavut, Akna must travel far to give birth. In her case, she goes to Ottawa, Ontario, because her local health centre can’t safely handle deliveries.
Akna has never left Nunavut before and being away from family while pregnant is scary. At her local health centre, a nurse gently explains that the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program will cover travel costs for her and for one non-medical escort to accompany her. Akna hopes that one day Inuit woman will be able to give birth closer to home.
Indigenous women in Canada have long been forced to leave home to give birth. This continues today in many remote areas. It’s part of a system shaped by colonization.
After giving birth, Akna starts the birth registration process. Since her baby was born in Ontario and she lives in Nunavut, she needs to register the birth in both places.
If your baby is born in a different province or territory than where you live, contact the vital statistics office where the birth happened. This helps ensure your child’s birth is legally recorded.
For more information, refer to Members of the Vital Statistics Council for Canada
Getting ready to return home
Before returning to Arviat, Akna sends the Ontario birth certificate and proof of residency to the Nunavut Department of Health so she can apply for a Nunavut Health Care Card for her child.
Honoring her child’s identity
Akna wants to make sure her baby’s Inuit identity is recognized. She fills out the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) Enrolment Form and sends it with the birth certificate to the NTI office.
She starts teaching her baby Inuktitut words, passing on culture through language.
Applying for other services
Once the birth is registered through the Nunavut process, with guidance and persistence, Akna navigates the process to apply for:
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN) through Service Canada
- The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Her baby’s Inuit Status Card through NTI
- A Passport, once the birth certificate arrives
Conclusion
Akna’s story shows the strength of Indigenous mothers. By asking questions and learning what’s available, she builds a better life for her child.
Note of Acknowledgment
This story is shared with deep respect for the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. While it shares information about available programs, we know these systems have not always treated Indigenous families fairly. The legacy of colonization and other barriers continues today.
Akna’s story is fictional, but it reflects the strength, resilience, and cultural pride.
Smart tips
The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a federal initiative that funds community-based groups to support pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies who face health risks due to factors like poverty, isolation, or substance use. Services may include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Prenatal vitamins
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Breastfeeding support
- Parenting education
- Referrals to other services
CPNP services are delivered through local organizations, which offers:
- Healthy meals/snacks for pregnant and new mothers (including adoptive mothers)
- Health and parenting education from Elders and health representatives
- Activities like traditional crafts and sewing
- Support on topics like breastfeeding, FASD, gestational diabetes, and emotional stress
Find out more details on Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a federal initiative that provides eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals with coverage for a range of medically necessary health-related goods and services not covered by other plans.
The program provides coverage for the following medically necessary goods and services:
- vision care
- dental care
- mental health counselling
- medical supplies and equipment
- prescription drugs and select over-the-counter products
- medical transportation to access medically required health services not available:
- on reserve
- in the community of residence
* Medical transport benefits may also be granted for an escort who travels with you. Coverage for accompanying persons is subject to certain conditions.
Find out more details on Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
The Nunavut Agreement Enrolment Program, managed by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), provides eligible Inuit with official recognition under the Nunavut Agreement. Enrolment ensures access to key rights and benefits, including programs and services designed to support Inuit well-being. The process is overseen by NTI’s Enrolment Division within the Department of Human Resources and carried out locally by Community Enrolment Committees, making it both accessible and community driven.
For more information, refer to Nunavut Agreement Enrolment Program - Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides tax support and services for Indigenous Peoples. If you are a First Nations person and your income or property is on a reserve, you may qualify for tax exemptions under Section 87 of the Indian Act.
Even if your income is tax-exempt, you file your tax return to access benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit. The CRA offers free tax clinics, simplified forms, and personalized help through community centers and liaison officers.
For more information and support, refer to Taxes and benefits for Indigenous Peoples