Ontario Inuit Cancer Program
Ontario Inuit Cancer Program
Ontario Inuit Cancer Program
Funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and in partnership with Ontario Health (formerly Cancer Care Ontario), the Ontario Inuit Cancer Program aims to address the ongoing cancer-related health disparities that exist between Urban Inuit and the general population in Ontario. The Ontario Inuit Cancer Program has four main areas of focus: prevention, cancer screening, patient experience and research and surveillance.
Working closely with several community partners and agencies across Ontario, we are proud to be the province’s only community-based Cancer Program.
Our work is rooted in a deep understanding of Inuit-specific health determinants and guided by the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ).
Our Services
The Ontario Inuit Cancer Program (OICP) supports Inuit across Ontario by promoting equitable access to culturally safe cancer care. Driven by community guidance and feedback, the program works to improve access to cancer screening, prevention, and care experiences for Inuit and their families through culturally sensitive supports, strong partnerships and continued community engagement.
We offer navigation support, culturally informed health education, and connections to cancer screening and treatment services. Our team collaborates with health care providers and Indigenous partners to ensure Inuit clients receive respectful, coordinated care throughout their cancer journey.
All OICP initiatives are guided by an Inuit advisory committee, composed of Urban Inuit community members who provide direction and insight to ensure programming aligns with community needs. This collaborative approach promotes culturally safe practices and strengthens the relevance and impact of this work.
What We Do
Cancer Education & Knowledge Translation
OICP offers culturally grounded cancer education through trainings, interactive workshops, events, and educational materials. These initiatives are informed by evidence-based research, weaving together Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, and westernized systems of cancer education.
Cancer Support & Navigation
OICP offers culturally grounded cancer education through trainings, interactive workshops, events, and educational materials. These initiatives are informed by evidence-based research, weaving together Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, and westernized systems of cancer education.
Cancer Screening Sessions
Early cancer screening can detect cancer at its most treatable stages, sometimes even before it develops, helping to save lives and improve recovery outcomes. OICP supports Inuit individuals in navigating these screening services, offering culturally safe guidance and resources to ensure timely access and informed participation in cancer screening.
To get connected to a screening program in Ontario for Breast, Cervical, Colorectal and Lung cancer, please contact Juan at jbermudez@tiontario.ca or 613-324-1336.
Cultural Sensitivity Trainings
The Ontario Inuit Cancer Program (OICP) delivers training and education to enhance culturally safe cancer care and access for Inuit across Ontario. This includes community education, mental health supports, and specialized training for health care providers to strengthen their understanding of Inuit culture, values, and health practices.
All training initiatives are informed and guided by an Inuit advisory committee, ensuring that Urban Inuit voices shape the development and delivery of programming. This collaborative approach helps improve the care experience for Inuit patients and promotes respectful, inclusive health services.
Healthy Living Initiatives & Health Promotion
OICP promotes healthy living through culturally informed programs and community engagement. Key initiatives include smoking cessation supports, the Nourish Program—which provides information on nutrition and healthy eating—and workshops focused on active living and wellness.
These programs are designed in collaboration with Inuit partners to reflect community values and support long-term health and wellness. By integrating traditional knowledge with evidence-based practices, OICP encourages healthy habits that contribute to cancer prevention and overall well-being.
Smoking Cessation Supports
OICP supports Inuit community members seeking to reduce or quit smoking through counselling, FREE access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and referrals to local services that align with their goals.
NRT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms by delivering a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products. Available FREE NRT options include patches, gum, inhalers, and lozenges.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is at the heart of the OICP. The program regularly meets with Urban Inuit community members through an advisory group to ensure that all initiatives reflect Inuit values, priorities, and expectations.
OICP programming is designed to build and strengthen relationships with Inuit communities across Ontario, facilitating access to culturally safe resources and services. This collaborative approach ensures that the program remains responsive, respectful, and community led.
Relationship Building
OICP actively builds and strengthens relationships with community partners, health care providers, and social service agencies across Ontario to support Inuit access to cancer-related services.
These partnerships create opportunities to enhance access to information, health care, workshops, events, and other supports for Inuit community members seeking cancer care. Through partnership and collaboration, OICP works to ensure services are culturally safe, responsive, and aligned with the needs of Inuit individuals and families.
Research & Surveillance
In collaboration with community members, the OICP gathers data through its community-based initiatives to better understand the real and ongoing unique needs of Inuit in Ontario.
This data is analyzed and shared with partner agencies—including the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Ontario Health—to inform policy, improve services, and foster culturally safe cancer care. All research efforts are guided by Inuit perspectives and aim to identify gaps, highlight strengths, and support Inuit individuals and families affected by cancer.
Enhancing Patient Experience
The Ontario Inuit Cancer Program (OICP) works to sustainably integrate Inuit perspectives into cancer care services across Ontario. Through culturally safe practices and community-led approaches, the program enhances the care experience for Inuit patients and families.
OICP offers a range of supports including training for health care providers, education sessions, talking circles, access to counselling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), harm reduction strategies, and referrals to relevant services. These initiatives reflect a wholistic approach to wellness and are guided by Inuit knowledge and community input.
Our Initiatives
Inuit-Specific Smoking Cessation Workshop
Taking Steps Together Inuktitut
Taking Steps Together English
Cancer Care 101 Fact Sheet
Inuit Cancer Risk Factors & Screening Fact Sheet (Inuktitut)
Inuit Cancer Risk Factors & Screening Fact Sheet (English)
282 Dupuis St Vanier, ON K1L 7H9
Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm
Jemimah Thomas, Manager: (343) 551-3299
Juan Bermudez, Program Coordinator: 613-324-1336