Nurturing sustainable small-scale fisheries to strengthen food sovereignty in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada
2025
Meghan Brockington | Tiff-Annie Kenny | Mélanie Lemire | Hing Man Chan | Dennis Nauyavik | Philip Loring | Jane Parmley | Matthew Little
For generations, Inuit in Nunavut have relied on small-scale fisheries as a foundation for food security, cultural identity, and economic resilience. However, systemic barriers, such as the high cost of living, limited infrastructure, climate change, and colonial legacies, continue to challenge the sustainability of Inuit food systems. In this context, small-scale fisheries are increasingly recognized in academic and policy circles as a promising pathway toward Inuit food sovereignty, with the potential to strengthen local economies, promote cultural continuity, and improve access to nutritious, culturally significant foods like Arctic char. This qualitative case study prioritizes Inuit voices in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, to explore the complex role of small-scale fisheries in advancing food security, sovereignty, and community well-being. Semi-structured interviews (n = 15) were conducted with Elders, experienced commercial fish harvesters, and local decision-makers. Findings emphasize the cultural significance of fishing practices, the emotional and spiritual connection to harvesting, and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transmission. Participants also identified key barriers, including the lack of infrastructure, harvester support, and local market access, that limit the full potential of small-scale fisheries. This study calls for strategic, rights-based policy interventions that support Inuit-led priorities. Investments in marine infrastructure, harvester development programs, and community-based market models can help ensure the sustainability of small-scale fisheries in Qikiqtarjuaq and similar Arctic communities.
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