Challenges and complexities in Northern food systems

Mapping food access and decision-making in Nunavik

Abstract

The Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic are under­going rapid ecological, social, and political transformations that profoundly affect local food systems. This study examines how households in Nunavik, Canada, navigate their complex, mixed subsistence and market-based food systems and identifies the factors shaping decision-making when selecting food sources. Specifically, this study asks: (1) What are the primary food acquisition sources for households, how are they accessed, and what challenges are faced? and (2) What key factors influence household decision-making in selecting food acquisition sources? Using a co-production of knowledge approach, participatory workshops were conducted with 17 community members from five Nunavik communities. Data included co-created conceptual food system maps, participant-placed preference cards, and facilitator notes from scenario-based discussions. Findings were subsequently validated in a follow-up community engagement session. Thematic qualitative analysis revealed that Nunavimmiut households draw on over 13 distinct food acquisition sources, ranging from direct harvesting and community freezers to grocery stores, family and friends, and increasingly, social media platforms that facilitate both sharing and informal markets. High costs of food and fuel, transportation barriers, time constraints, and other social factors emerged as persistent challenges. Income level and the presence of a skilled hunter strongly influenced decision strategies: low-income households without hunters relied heavily on community freezers and kin networks, while higher-income households accessed additional options such as buying country food from Inuit harvesters and southern grocery stores. These results underscore the adaptive capacity of Nunavik’s food systems alongside their sensitivity to economic and environmental disruptions. Further, these results point to the importance of addressing both structural barriers and digital access. Policies that enhance community freezers, transportation, food assistance programs, and culturally grounded digital tools can strengthen food security and resilience. This study highlights the value of interdisciplinary, community-based approaches that integrate cultural preferences, economic dimensions, and social networks in supporting Arctic food systems under conditions of rapid change.