Reflecting on my field work in Iqaluit

This summer, I spent the months of May and June on Baffin Island conducting field work for my Master’s thesis entitled “Inuit Food Security: Vulnerability of the traditional food system to climatic extremes during winter 2010/2011 in Iqaluit, Nunavut.” This was my third time visiting Iqaluit, and I was very eager to return. Previously, I conducted a preliminary consultation trip in February to meet with local stakeholders and further develop my research project. I returned to Iqaluit again in March to present my research proposal to the Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association. These two prior trips allowed me to forge relationships and acquaint myself with the community, and were invaluable for preparing me for my field work season.

For my interviews and surveys, I was grateful to have the help of two other CCVRG members: Graham McDowell and Peter Adams. Graham and I conducted 25 interviews with local hunters to discuss perceived changes in environmental conditions; perceived changes in animal availability, access, and quality; as well as adaptive strategies used for dealing with a changing environment.  Afterward, Peter and I completed 100 household surveys with public housing residents to explore household characteristics; perceived changes in country food availability, access, and quality; as well as coping mechanisms used to deal with food-related stresses. The insights that community members shared with me were fascinating and informative, and reflected both the challenges and opportunities associated with living in the Canadian Arctic. These interviews and surveys would not have been possible without the help from my research assistants from the Nunavut Arctic College, Daniel Kaludjak and David Nakashuk, who were tremendously helpful throughout this process.

Perhaps my favourite part of my field work was simply experiencing life in Iqaluit. This involved participating in community feasts, going dog sledding on the sea ice, attending public hearings regarding the Nutrition North program, joining community members on their IQ (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or traditional Inuit knowledge) Day, and partaking in Project Nunavut’s Country Food Market.

This trip was an incredible experience that allowed me to progress from theory to practice. After spending the first year of my Master’s degree reading literature, writing my research proposal, and preparing for field work, I am thankful to have been able to conduct a successful research trip. The second year of my Master’s degree will now involve exploring the vulnerability of Iqaluit’s traditional food system to the climatic extremes that occurred last winter. I am looking forward to weaving an interesting narrative that will shed light on the environmental and socioeconomic complexities of this remarkable Arctic community.