Recent research has shown that 46% of Inuvialuit households were food insecure—meaning individuals either worried they would not have enough food to eat or had to skip meals. In response, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and the University of Ottawa researchers have partnered on a project to address on-going food insecurity in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

In winter 2018, Hotıì ts’eeda joined the project to support a food security engagement process. Focus groups on Community Food Security were conducted in all 6 communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Each group brought together community members to discuss existing programs and resources, actions or programs that are currently missing in the community, and possible solutions and resources needed to achieve food security goals. More than a dozen interviews were also conducted with community leaders and store managers about ways to improve food security in the region.

Hotıì ts’eeda accompanied the University of Ottawa team during community travel, liaised with key community contacts, and advised on research methods.

The project is now in Phase 2 of the Inuvialuit Food Security Strategy development process. The team will follow up the workshops with key research findings, verified and validated by community members, and a draft Inuvialuit Food Security Strategy.

For more information about this project and Hotıì ts’eeda’s research consultation and methods support, contact:

Jullian MacLean, RD, MHA
Project Director, Health Methods and Data
Hotiì ts'eeda: NWT SPOR SUPPORT Unit
P:867-777-7013
jmaclean@inuvialuit.com