The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the organization representing Inuit in Canada, has announced its call for the federal government program known as Nutrition North to be scrapped as part of a new poverty reduction strategy. This strategy is set to be released on Tuesday and critiques the program for its ineffectiveness in addressing food security within Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homelands.
According to ITK's report, the Nutrition North program is described as having a fragmented approach that does not align with the priorities of the Inuit community. Natan Obed, ITK's president, stated, “It’s a scattershot approach in a policy environment that is begging for specific intervention.” He emphasized the need for Inuit to take control over the way funds for poverty reduction and food security are utilized, advocating for the allocation of resources that reflect their unique needs and priorities.
Nutrition North is designed to provide financial subsidies to retailers to lower grocery costs in 124 communities; however, some retailers have faced criticism for failing to fully apply these subsidies to the prices of their products. The ITK report suggests that this program should be replaced by a new initiative focused solely on Inuit households, one that incorporates stronger transparency and accountability measures. Additionally, the report proposes the establishment of co-operatives and locally-owned food retailers to empower Inuit communities over supply chains and pricing, as well as expanded support for community-led food security initiatives.
Obed pointed out that if the Canadian government is preparing to spend approximately $200 million on food security in the North, then the benefits should directly support those who need it the most. The report highlights the stark income disparity between non-Indigenous Canadians and Inuit in the region, noting that the median individual income for non-Indigenous Canadians in Inuit Nunangat is around $100,000, compared to about $32,000 for Inuit. Furthermore, non-Indigenous individuals are more likely to be employed, complete high school and post-secondary education, and own homes, contributing to a life expectancy of 85 years compared to 72 years for Inuit individuals.
In a groundbreaking move, ITK’s report also introduces the first-ever Inuit Nunangat market basket measure, which calculates the cost of a basic standard of living for Inuit families. It estimates yearly living expenses for a family of four at $74,000, leading to the conclusion that about 41 percent of families in Inuit Nunangat lived in poverty in 2023, the year when the data was collected. Obed stated that these figures underscore the failure of Ottawa’s approach to food security in the North.
The strategy outlined by ITK recommends the development of a stable, long-term funding program that is led by Inuit communities. It advocates for collaboration on education policy and highlights support for Inuit-led educational initiatives, including funding for the upcoming Inuit Nunangat University that is expected to open in 2030. This facility aims to provide Inuit students the opportunity to obtain post-secondary degrees within their territories for the first time.
The report further stresses the need for federal measures that will strengthen the Inuit economy, emphasizing that Inuit-owned businesses should have opportunities within military procurement initiatives. Additionally, the strategy calls for a needs-based guaranteed livable income, along with improvements to income assistance and minimum wage levels.
Obed cautioned that if Canada does not take significant action to alleviate poverty in Inuit Nunangat while pursuing security interests in the Arctic, it risks repeating historical mistakes from the 1950s that dislocated Inuit communities and disrupted their traditional ways of life. The report insists that any efforts to reduce poverty in Inuit Nunangat must involve commitment, accountability, sustained investment, and genuine Inuit participation in decision-making processes.
“With the right partnerships, resources, and respect for Inuit self-determination, we can close the gaps in opportunity and well-being and ensure that all Inuit have the means to live healthy, empowered, and prosperous lives,” the report concludes. It also highlights the current interest in Arctic development as an opportunity to enhance Inuit communities through innovative infrastructure that supports a comprehensive approach to address poverty effectively.
