Researchers and hunters have highlighted the challenges of transporting food between communities, citing difficulties, high costs, and unreliability leading to significant food spoilage. Katrin Schmid, an anthropology PhD candidate at the University of Vienna, conducted interviews with individuals from various Inuit communities regarding food transportation systems. She expressed surprise at the extent of food spoilage during transportation, attributing it to limited freezer space at airports, malfunctioning community freezers, and delays in cargo handling that render food inedible before reaching its destination.
Schmid emphasized the recurring issue of malfunctioning freezers and refrigerators in these communities, noting that repair capacities are often limited, leaving food to spoil despite the region’s high food insecurity. Her research, published in the academic journal “Food, Culture & Society,” delves into the impact of transportation systems on food accessibility in Nunavut, encompassing both imported southern food and locally harvested country food.
Jimmy Akavak, chair of the Amaruq Hunters and Trappers Association in Iqaluit, emphasized the longstanding tradition of sharing country food within Inuit communities. Families frequently exchange caribou, seal, fish, and other harvested food with relatives in different communities or regions. As individuals relocate for employment and education opportunities, these sharing networks expand, presenting logistical challenges in ensuring safe food delivery.
Akavak highlighted the complexities of relying on air cargo due to the absence of road connections, noting potential issues with delayed flights and limited cargo space, particularly during warmer months. Packaging concerns were also raised, with country food often shipped in inadequately insulated cardboard boxes. Transportation hurdles have become more pronounced on Baffin Island following caribou hunting restrictions, prompting Nunavummiut to order caribou from other regions at a cost of $600-$700 per animal, inclusive of meat and air cargo expenses.
The transportation difficulties underscore broader discussions in Nunavut regarding food sovereignty, emphasizing not just food access but also the preservation of culturally significant ingredients and harvesting practices. Schmid highlighted ongoing initiatives in Nunavut, such as Inuit-led programs supporting hunters and sustainable harvesting practices, as potential solutions to address these challenges. Despite economic pressures, Akavak noted that many hunters prioritize sharing over selling, emphasizing the cultural significance and communal benefits of this practice.