Grant: Team Grant: Food Security and Climate Change in the Canadian North

The most dramatic and fastest climate change is occurring in Inuit Nunangat, which has led to decreased ice thickness and extent, later ice freeze-up and early ice break-up, and changing snow conditions. These changing environmental conditions impact local wildlife and vegetation that are important for Inuit diet. These changing conditions also impact the ability of Inuit to access, prepare, and consume country foods (local foods). Climate change impacts on country foods have important implications for Inuit health and wellbeing. The Niqivut Silalu Asijjipalliajuq ("Our Food and Climate Change") research program addresses a significant gap in research. The research program will promote adaptive capacity among Inuit by enhancing local capacity to detect and respond to food-related climate-health outcomes; and evaluate opportunities for food-related climate change adaptation polices, programs, and actions. The program has 2 research themes: •Research Theme 1: Strengthen Inuit food sovereignty for climate change adaptation. •Research Theme 2: Share Inuit knowledge to support climate change adaptation. •Cross-cutting Research Themes: The importance of Inuit knowledge (IK) in research; Inuit health, nutrition, and wellness; climate change adaptation; and gender. Four intensive research projects span these themes: Project 1: Stories about Country Food Preparation; Project 2: Stories to Inform Reintroduction of Food Sources; Project 3: Stories of Food for Health and Healing; and Project 4: Sharing Stories and Inuit Self-Determination in Research. This is a Nunavut-led research program. Our Nunavummiut-led approach will offer best practice guidance for other initiatives; will create leaders with expertise in climate change, country food, and Inuit health; and demonstrate the importance of Inuit knowledge and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit for adaptation, enabling communities to manage the food-related health effects of climate change.