The Current “Welcome to Iqaluit” - The Current in Canada’s North
Sep 2, 2025
Gwen Natsik, a passionate student and president of the National Inuit Youth Council, Janet Pitsilak Brewster, an Inuk MLA fighting for mental health support, and musician Nancy Mike discuss the vibrant, yet challenging life in Iqaluit. They tackle pressing issues like food insecurity, housing shortages, and the critical need for a public health emergency declaration. Amidst the struggles, they share stories of resilience, cultural pride, and the hope and joy that define their community, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources and youth support.
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Boat Trip Shows Food Traditions
- Johnny and Sheila take Matt out on Frobisher Bay to fish and share polar bear and caribou meat with the community.
- The outing shows daily life rooted in hunting, cooking, and passing food traditions in Iqaluit.
Food As Sovereignty And Culture
- Sheila links harvesting and cooking to food sovereignty and cultural continuity.
- She frames sharing country food as both nourishment and an act of sustaining Inuit knowledge.
Soup Kitchen Feeds Large Share
- Hayaktivik Community Food Center regularly feeds large portions of Iqaluit, sometimes serving thousands in a week.
- Curtis Mesher notes nearly 560 meals a day in a town of 7,500, highlighting widespread need.