8.3 Nutrition and food security

Arctic nutrition and food security are complex issues intertwined with traditional practices and modern challenges. Climate change, environmental contaminants, and economic factors threaten traditional food systems, leading to increased food insecurity in many Arctic communities.

Despite these challenges, traditional Arctic diets remain nutrient-dense and culturally significant. Community-based initiatives, local food production, and comprehensive strategies offer opportunities to improve food security while preserving cultural practices and traditional knowledge.

Traditional Food Systems in Arctic Communities

Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Practices

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• Traditional food systems in Arctic communities involve hunting, fishing, and gathering practices passed down through generations providing a vital source of nutrition and cultural identity
• These food systems are closely tied to the land, sea, and ice relying on a deep understanding of the local environment and the seasonal availability of different food sources
• The harvesting and consumption of traditional foods play a significant role in the spiritual and cultural practices of many Arctic Indigenous peoples connecting them to their ancestors and the natural world
• Traditional hunting practices include the use of specialized tools and techniques (harpoons, ice fishing, and berry picking) adapted to the unique Arctic environment

Sharing and Cultural Significance

• Traditional foods, such as marine mammals (seals, walrus), fish (Arctic char, salmon), caribou, and berries, are often shared among community members through cultural practices like food sharing networks and communal feasts strengthening social bonds and ensuring equitable access to resources
• Food sharing networks involve the distribution of harvested foods among extended family members, elders, and those in need fostering a sense of community and reciprocity
• Communal feasts, such as the Inuit Thanksgiving celebration of Quviasukvik, bring together community members to share traditional foods, stories, and cultural traditions
• Traditional food systems are not only a source of physical sustenance but also contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of Arctic communities by fostering a sense of identity, purpose, and connection to the land

Food Insecurity in the Arctic

Environmental and Economic Factors

• Climate change is a major driver of food insecurity in the Arctic as rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and the loss of sea ice disrupt traditional food systems making hunting and fishing more difficult and dangerous
• The high cost of living in remote Arctic communities, combined with limited economic opportunities and high rates of poverty, can make it challenging for many households to afford sufficient, nutritious food
• Limited access to affordable, fresh, and healthy store-bought foods in many Arctic communities, due to factors such as high transportation costs and limited retail options, can exacerbate food insecurity and lead to a greater reliance on processed, nutrient-poor foods

Contaminants and Traditional Knowledge Erosion

• The increasing presence of contaminants in the Arctic environment, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals (mercury, lead), can accumulate in the tissues of traditional food sources raising concerns about the safety and health risks associated with their consumption
• The erosion of traditional knowledge and skills related to hunting, fishing, and food preparation, particularly among younger generations, can undermine the resilience and sustainability of traditional food systems
• The loss of traditional knowledge can be attributed to factors such as forced assimilation, residential schools, and the increasing influence of Western culture and lifestyles
• The transmission of traditional knowledge from elders to younger generations is crucial for maintaining the vitality and adaptability of traditional food systems in the face of changing environmental and social conditions

Nutritional Value of Arctic Diets

Nutrient-Dense Traditional Foods

• Traditional Arctic diets, based on locally harvested foods such as marine mammals, fish, caribou, and wild plants, are generally high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential micronutrients (vitamin D, iron, zinc)
• The consumption of nutrient-dense traditional foods has been associated with lower rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among Arctic Indigenous populations compared to those who rely more heavily on store-bought, processed foods
• The fat content of traditional Arctic diets, particularly from marine mammals (seals, whales), is rich in omega-3 fatty acids linked to improved cardiovascular health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory properties

Challenges to Nutritional Value

• The nutritional value of traditional Arctic diets can be compromised by factors such as environmental contaminants, climate change-induced shifts in species availability and quality, and the loss of traditional knowledge about food preparation and storage practices
• Environmental contaminants, such as mercury and PCBs, can bioaccumulate in the tissues of marine mammals and fish posing health risks to those who consume them regularly
• Climate change can alter the distribution, abundance, and quality of traditional food sources (reduced sea ice affecting seal and walrus populations) making it more difficult for Arctic communities to access nutrient-dense foods
• The loss of traditional knowledge about food preparation and storage practices (fermentation, drying) can lead to the improper handling and consumption of traditional foods increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses

Food Security Challenges and Opportunities in the Arctic

Community-Based Initiatives and Local Food Production

• Strengthening and revitalizing traditional food systems through community-based initiatives, such as hunter support programs, youth mentorship, and the documentation and sharing of traditional knowledge, can help to improve food security and cultural resilience in Arctic communities
• Hunter support programs provide resources (equipment, fuel, training) to help hunters and fishers continue to access traditional food sources in the face of changing environmental conditions
• Youth mentorship initiatives pair experienced elders with younger community members to facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills related to hunting, fishing, and food preparation
• Investing in local food production and processing infrastructure, such as greenhouses, community gardens, and small-scale animal husbandry, can increase the availability of fresh, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods while creating new economic opportunities

Collaboration and Comprehensive Strategies

• Improving transportation and distribution networks for both traditional and store-bought foods can help to reduce costs, increase variety, and ensure more reliable access to healthy food options in remote Arctic communities
• Collaborating with Indigenous organizations, public health agencies, and research institutions to monitor and address the impacts of environmental contaminants on traditional food sources and human health can help to ensure the safety and sustainability of Arctic diets
• Developing and implementing comprehensive food security strategies that address the multiple, intersecting drivers of food insecurity in the Arctic, such as poverty, housing, education, and mental health, can help to build more resilient and equitable food systems over the long term
• Comprehensive food security strategies should be developed in close consultation with Arctic Indigenous communities to ensure that they reflect local priorities, knowledge, and cultural values