A Long Way from Home: The Tuberculosis Epidemic Among the Inuit (Mcgill-Queen's/Hannah Institute Studies in the History of Medicine, Health and Society, 2)

A comprehensive account of the tuberculosis epidemic among the Inuit in the mid-part of the 20th century. The Inuit were victims not only of the epidemic but also of the Canadian government's shockingly slow response and lack of consideration for their culture. The study focuses on patients' experiences and the programmes set up to deal with the epidemic, giving a voice to those involved and a human face to the bare statistics. Based on recollections of patients, interviews with participants in the government programmes, available literature and statistics, and records of the Northern Affairs Program, the book examines the programmes for the Inuit in all parts of Canada. It also explores the history of tuberculosis in Canada, conditions of life in the North for both Inuit and non-Natives, and the development and modification of government administration of the North.