John cheechoo nutrition

Nutrition (Inuit Food Security)
John Cheechoo
Senior Policy Advisor
Department of Health and
Environment
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
Canada


Inuit Food Security and Nutrition
in Arctic Canada
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Definition of Food Security by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization:

“Food security is a situation that exists when
all people, at all times, have physical, social
and economic access to sufficient, safe and
nutritious food that meets their dietary needs
and food preferences for an active and healthy
life.” (UN FAO 2001)


Inuit Food Security and Nutrition
in Arctic Canada
Traditional Foods
• Traditional economy
of wildlife harvesting
and wildlife (country)
food consumption

• Local access
• Culturally based
• Knowledge, skills
• Social components
(trade, sharing, feasts)

Market Foods
• Cash economy and
purchasing of market
foods (store bought
food)
• Import access (by air,
or sea)
• Cash based
• Affordability varies
with income levels
• Limited variety


Inuit Food Security and Nutrition
in Arctic Canada

Country Foods : whales, narwhal,
caribou, fresh water and marine fishes,
musk oxen, seals, polar bear, walrus,
migratory birds, ptarmigan, shrimp,
shellfish, berries, seaweed, etc.


Inuit Food Security and Nutrition

in Arctic Canada

Store Foods: perishable fruits/veggies, breads, eggs,
fresh and canned milk, canned meats/veggies, lard,
vegetable oil, frozen meats/veggies, frozen dinners,
flour, sugar, deli and cured meats, pasta, cheese,
spices, frozen juice, juice crystals, soft drinks,
cereals, candy, chocolate, potato chips, baking
powder, oats, baby food, ice cream, etc.


Inuit Food Security and Nutrition
in Arctic Canada
Country Foods

Store Bought Foods

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• Food subsidy (food mail)
• Supplements diet

• Complements lifestyle
• Offers variety
• Healthy foods
• Non healthy foods
(diabetes, heart disease,
obesity)
• Higher prices (2-4 times)
• High cost of living
• High cost of business

Nutritionally rich
Provides energy
Physical benefits (hunting)
Culturally important
Highly preferred
Socially beneficial
Harvesting costs rising
Climate change impact
Cultural preservation
Impact on Youth


Opportunities for Collaboration

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Food Security in relation to Arctic and
Circumpolar Regions and Communities
Impacts, issues, and solutions for
northern and remote Indigenous
communities
Share information
Former partnerships on food security
Hold a conference internationally


Thank You