littoral chair research project

Tininnimiutait

Assessing the potential of local marine foods accessible from the shore to increase food security and sovereignty in Nunavik

Context

The Inuit have long occupied their territory in harmony with nature, respecting and learning from their environment and using the bounty it provides to sustain their food system.

Arctic ecosystems contain a vast diversity of food, but their availability is being altered due to demographic pressures and climate change.

The traditional Inuit diet is based on their traditions and preferences, including the appearance, taste, and quality of food resources. However, abundance and accessibility are also key elements, and some marine resources – seaweed, shellfish and certain fish, collectively known as tininnimiutait – can be easily harvested directly from the seashore year-round in some areas.

In general, marine resources are well-known to be beneficial for human health, but the importance and potential of tininnimiutait for nutrition and well-being remains mainly undocumented.

Objectives

The project will be carried out in collaboration with two Nunavik communities to:

Document harvesting methods, local recipes, and ethnomedical properties of tininnimiutait to co-create new recipes in collaboration with Nunavimmiut (the Inuit of Ungava), with a focus on youth participation
Evaluate the aroma and food quality of seashore resources and examine their distinctive flavors, nutritional and health potential, and food safety
Assess the environmental impact of harvesting on target species
Evaluate the economic sustainability of harvesting shore-based resources.