ITK Commends the Release of the Nunavut Food Security Strategy

Ottawa, ON – National Inuit Leader and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mr. Terry Audla, was pleased to acknowledge, the Nunavut Food Security Coalition’s release of the Nunavut Food Strategy and Action Plan to address the high prevalence of food insecurity in the region.

“This week, during Hunger Awareness Week, it is timely to examine food insecurity as a complex issue with extreme implications for health and wellness among Inuit” voiced ITK President Terry Audla.  “This Strategy represents critical progress that is needed to address the serious challenge of food insecurity that faces Inuit and our communities in Nunavut.

The growing challenge of food insecurity throughout Inuit Nunagat has been highlighted consistently by research including the Inuit Health Survey and a report recently released by Canadian Council of Academies.  Nearly 70% of Inuit adults living in Nunavut were food insecure representing the highest rate for any Aboriginal population in a developed country.  Also concerning was the high rate (nearly 70%) of food insecurity among Inuit preschoolers aged three to five.

“To help improve the levels of food security among Inuit, we are collaborating with Inuit regions and other partners through the Inuit Food Security Working Group,” continued Audla. “The working group is currently developing a National Inuit Food Security Strategy to lay the framework for effective and sustainable solutions at the national level.”

The Nunavut Food Security Strategy focuses on six themes including country food, store-bought food, local food production, life skills, programs and community initiatives and policy and legislation.  The coalition made up of government departments, Inuit organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector aims to collaboratively implement the action plan over the next three years with a strong and critical focus on partnerships.

For more information, please contact:

Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
613-238-8181