Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Skin diseases can have a major impact on people's health and quality of life. In isolated regions of northern Quebec, including Indigenous communities in Nunavik, access to dermatology care is extremely limited. There are no dermatologists practicing in areas beyond Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Sept-Îles, leaving many individuals without access to specialized skin care and credible information. Indigenous populations in Nunavik face a higher burden of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections. Children in these communities are particularly affected, with conditions like severe eczema being common. This project aims to improve skin health in Nunavik by providing culturally appropriate dermatology education and community engagement. Working with Indigenous leaders and local healthcare providers, we will develop educational materials in English, French, and Inuktitut to address common skin conditions and how best to manage them. The project will use the Montreal Derm FilEZ® online platform to share information through podcasts, videos, and training sessions that are easy to access. By involving the community, we will ensure that the educational content is relevant and respectful of traditional healing practices. The project will also organize in-person workshops, webinars, and radio programs to increase awareness about skin health and empower people to take better care of their skin. Our goal is to improve access to dermatology knowledge/credible information in Nunavik and support Indigenous communities in combining traditional medicine with modern treatments to achieve better health outcomes. This initiative will help people living in northern isolated areas gain the knowledge they need to manage skin conditions effectively, leading to healthier communities. Through partnerships with Indigenous leaders, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy organizations, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on skin health in Nunavik.