Hunting and Gathering

Country Food

‘Mutuk’ is sea mammal blubber eaten by many Arctic Indigenous peoples in Canada, most notably the Inuit. It’s high vitamin C content is thought to have prevented the Inuit from getting scurvy (Robinson, 2018)

‘Country food’ is a term used to described traditional Inuit food. Country food is often made using ingredients easily accessible in the northern landscape including marine life, birds and land animals, eggs, roots and berries. The Inuit use methods such as harvesting, trapping, hunting and fishing for country food. The exertion required to acquire these ingredients keeps the Inuit healthier, preventing against a sedentary lifestyle.

 

The Igloo is a snow-shelter used by the Inuit for many different purposes. Smaller igloos were constructed as temporary shelters to be used during hunting trips (Gadacz, 2006)

Food is essential for the Inuit not simply for nourishment but contributes to their identity and culture. Gathering ingredients and preparing the country food brings the community together and allows for traditions to be practiced and passed on the younger generations. When the Inuit hunt, they use every part of the animal. Some parts might be used for food while others could have other functions such as for clothing (animals hides and fur), heating (seal oil) and to make traditional tools (bones) (Robinson, 2018). Country food nurtures a special connection between the Inuit and the natural world. By using every part of the animal they hunt, the Inuit can give thanks to the animal for providing sustenance and so many other functions to their community.