Both the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (Ottawa) and the Department of Social Affairs (Québec) have agreed upon a trial period for the introduction of a provincial social aid plan to Eskimos in Québec. The idea is to see whether the Social Aid Bill (Bill 26) needs some adjustments and, if so, what kind. This article emphasizes two aspects of the question : first, the necessity to realize that Eskimo consumption models have changed greatly in the last decade and second, the utility of introducing a bill which takes into account not only the needs but also the aspirations of the people. Until now these aspirations have been put aside by both legislators and the welfare agents. The proposals which are made do not coincide with the individual — oriented spirit of the present bill but tend to see it as a collective — oriepted law and as an instrument of the community.