Youth Engaged in Making a Difference to Climate Change and Cultural Revitalization
June 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join authors Kukik Baker and Jimmy Muckpah (Aqqiumavvik Society) and Natalie Carter (McMaster University) for Youth Engaged in Making a Difference to Climate Change and Cultural Revitalization. This presentation is part of Session: 4.1.11 Restoring sustainable food systems, livelihoods and ecosystems in the Arctic. The presentations will take place at the Stormen Concert Hall Sinus Room on June 1, 2024 from 09:00 – 10:30.
Abstract Text
Inuit rely on a varied diet harvested from a range of species in every season. Even through periods of seasonal scarcity, the Inuit food system enabled Inuit to thrive over generations. However, today the incidence of food insecurity in Nunavut is the highest in Canada (four times the national average). In Arviat, Nunavut, the Aqqiumavvik Society addresses issues around community food insecurity, primarily by encouraging harvesting and consumption of nutrient-rich country foods. Aqqiumavvik’s work is grounded in the holistic worldview of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit knowledge and values) and their associated community-developed research model.
Using this model, Aqqiumavvik is leading a coordinated community harvest of geese to enhance Inuit food sovereignty. Currently, a large population of geese migrates to through Arviat in spring and summer. Harvesting spring geese had long been an important seasonal contribution to food security in the region, until legislation banning goose harvesting disrupted Inuit knowledge, practices, and food systems. Inuit understandings of – and relationships with – migrating geese populations has suffered.
Aqqiumavvik has established a coordinated community goose harvest to contribute to community food sovereignty. This proposed harvest aims to address the overabundance of geese in the region and resulting environmental impacts. The goal is to investigate the viability of goose harvests in the context of climate change. The project focuses on connecting Inuit and scientific ways of knowing in considering the interplay between human and goose population health, climatic change, migratory bird policy, and Inuit food sovereignty.
