Press Release
Kuujjuaq, July 14, 2021 – On July 12, 2021, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami launched the Inuit
Nunangat Food-Security Strategy.
The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and Makivvik welcome
this strategy, which aims to deal with the widespread problem of food insecurity by creating a
sustainable food system based on Inuit values. Both organizations contributed to its
development, in collaboration with ITK.
At present, far too many Nunavimmiut struggle to obtain sufficient food. Nearly four out of five
adults live in a situation of food insecurity according to data from the Qanuilirpitaa? health
survey. Pregnant women, youth and low-income individuals are particularly affected. This has
serious impacts on physical and mental health as well as on community vitality. The high cost
of living, low incomes, and rapid environmental and social changes are at the core of the
problem. The COVID-19 pandemic did not help the situation.
The NRBHSS and Makivvik are pursuing efforts to resolve this persistent problem, in
collaboration with other regional, Federal, and provincial partners. The Inuit Nunangat Food-
Security Strategy will serve as a road map to bolster some of the existing initiatives while
proposing and opening the door to new solutions. It could also serve as the basis for
establishing a new strategy unique to Nunavik.
The NRBHSS would like to take this opportunity to remind the communities that support is
available for developing local projects aimed at improving access to healthy foods and
developing food skills. Visit www.nrbhss.ca/food-projects for more information. Similarly,
Makivvik can offer support for community harvesting and food-sharing activities.
Contact the Department of Environment, Wildlife and Research for more information.
The Inuit Nunangat Food-Security Strategy can be found on the ITK website from the following
link: www.itk.ca/inuit-nunangat-food-security-strategy
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The Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services is a public agency created in
1978 under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. It is responsible for nearly
the entire Quebec territory located north of the 55th parallel in terms of the provision of
health and social services for the inhabitants of the 14 communities.
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of
Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role
includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic
growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik.
Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare,
relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.
Source:
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Makivvik
For information:
Anne Sellès
Communications Officer, NRBHSS
anne.selles@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications, Makivvik Coorporation
ctagoona@makivik.org