Globally, traditional breastfeeding practices are of vital importance to indigenous women, families and their communities. Unfortunately, in the case of the Inuit community in Canada, the acquisition of knowledge about breastfeeding and cultural traditions carried out by Inuit women has been affected by the impact of colonization, the disappearance of matriarchy, residential schooling and the interruption of the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation. In addition to the effects of colonialism, there are certain determinants such as geographical position, culture, linguistic differences, few employment opportunities, difficult access to nutritious food, inadequate access to health services, family composition, and low level of education; that have altered the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding in these ethnic groups. Respect for ancestral traditions and recognition of the particular determinants that affect breastfeeding in women belonging to these communities could contribute to establishing recommendations and programs that improve the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding in these population groups.
