A workshop on ringed seals was held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, in early March, the first time such a workshop was organized. Ringed seals are undoubtedly the most important marine mammals hunted for subsistence in Nunavut. The purpose of the workshop was to inform members of Inuit communities about the research that is currently done on this species and to listen to their questions, comments and concerns. Research areas that were reviewed included movement patterns of ringed seals, environmental contaminants, food safety, and seal health. Seal health was clearly one of the dominant concerns identified by Inuit attending the workshop. Observations of seals with hairless patches of skin were often mentioned, although it is not clear whether increased reporting of such seals reflects an actual increase in their occurrence or increased awareness of seal health issues on the part of the people, the latter perhaps enhanced by their awareness of the presence of environmental contaminants in the North. The need for more efficient and prompter communication between researchers and Inuit communities, in both directions, was also identified by the attendees. A gradual improvement in internet connections in the North may help to achieve this. Pierre-Yves Daoust (Atlantic region) represented the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and had a good opportunity to describe the functions of this Centre and to point out that practical documents on seal health are available on the CWHC website, such as the Safety Manual for Harvesters of Fish and Wildlife in Nunavut.
The first fact to establish us that “subsistence” hunting does not apply in Nunavut. The Land Claims specifically avoids the term to ensure that seal harvests are considered an integral part of the economy.
Subsistence is a politically loaded term that does not apply in any discussion of Nunavut harvesting.
Why are you using it?
Thank you for this important clarification. I would like to know more why the term ‘subsistence’ is considered by some to be politically loaded. I tend to use this term strictly in the sense defined in the dictionary, “a livelihood”, realizing, however, that seal harvest goes beyond this in the North as it is indeed an important part of the economy. I use it because I do not know any better (yet).
Hi There,
I just came across this post by accident while reading your post on EHD in whitetail deer. I was one of the organizers of the workshop, so it’s really great to see that it was discussed afterwards! Pierre-Yves Daoust definitely brought a great perspective to the workshop.
Just wanted to mention that it was great to find this post.
Paul