“We call it soul food”: Inuit women and the role of country food in health and well-being in Nunavut

Author:

Caughey Amy123ORCID,Kilabuk Pitsiula4,Koonoo Theresa1,Sanguya Igah5,Jaw Martha6,Allen Jean7,Doucette Michelle1,Sargeant Jan2,Moeller Helle8,Harper Sherilee L.23

Affiliation:

1. Department of Health, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, NU, Canada

2. Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada

3. School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

4. Department of Health, Government of Nunavut, Pangnirtung, NU, Canada

5. Community Health Representative, Clyde River, NU, Canada

6. Community Health Representative, Kinngait, NU, Canada

7. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Iqaluit, NU, Canada

8. Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is central to understanding environment and health sciences in the Arctic, yet limited research in these fields has explored the human–animal–environment interface from the unique perspectives of Inuit women. Using a community-led, Inuit-centred research approach, we characterized the use and meaning of country food in the context of community well-being for Inuit women in Nunavut, Canada. In-depth conversational interviews and focus groups ( n = 16) were held with Inuit women ( n = 10) who are knowledge holders in the Qikiqtani region that hold decades of country food knowledge. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparative methods. Inuit women described country food in the context of (1) well-being, connection, and identity, (2) hunger, craving, and healing, (3) food security and nourishment, and (4) change and adaptation. Inuit women described a wide range of country food as central to physical and mental health, food security, identity, culture, healing and medicine. Adaptive strategies were discussed, such as eating more fish when caribou were scarce. This research highlights the critical role of country food for health and well-being for Inuit women and shares knowledge and perspective that is relevant to wildlife and environment researchers, public health practitioners, policy makers, and others interested in advancing health, well-being, and food sovereignty in Inuit communities.

Funder

University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College Graduate Scholarship

Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes

Publisher

Canadian Science Publishing

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