Dorothy Beale

Topic

Gendered Dimensions of Food Systems in Nunavik, Quebec

Social Dimensions of Health

Date & location

• Wednesday, August 28, 2024
• 12:00 P.M.
• Human & Social Development Building, Room B202

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Matthew Little, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Jeff Corntassel, School of Indigenous Governance, UVic (Co-Supervisor)

External Examiner

• Dr. Astrid Pérez Piñán, School of Public Administration, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Barton Cunningham, School of Public Administration, UVic

Abstract

Food insecurity is a health equity issue that disproportionately impacts Inuit across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homelands) compared to the general Canadian population. Reduced access to traditional (country) food sources through hunting and fishing has paralleled increased consumption of market foods, including non-nutrient-dense foods. This dietary transition has led to a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Inuit women specifically face disproportionately higher rates of food insecurity compared to Inuit men, which is attributed in part to colonially enforced gender roles, high levels of environmental contaminants (e.g., lead, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants) in country food sources, and social and cultural factors of prioritization of family needs at the expense of personal food security. Women play important roles in food systems; they are knowledge holders, provision both country and market food, and participate in hunting and fishing. However, due to the lack of disaggregated and qualitative data in Western academic resources, there is a gap in understanding the gendered impacts of food insecurity, country food consumption, and gender roles within food systems in Inuit Nunangat. Using a community engaged, Indigenist approach, this study documents the experiences of Nunavimmiut women to explore the role and impacts of gender in food systems in Kangirsuk, Québec. We used snowball sampling to recruit a diverse group participants, then conducted semi-structured interviews with all participants. We spoke with fourteen participants, including both women and men. Results show that gender roles have shaped and continue to shape women’s experiences within food systems in Kangirsuk, QC. This is evident through various aspects, primarily the distinct experiences and perspectives related to hunting, fishing, cooking, food preparation, and engagement in traditional activities between men and women. There are also notable observations in individuals’ differing perceptions of the distribution of household and food-related duties. This thesis contributes to a growing body of literature, which proves the need for a better understanding of how gender impacts food systems in Inuit communities.