NPD39 - A Wild Goose Chase: Modernizing Inuit rights regarding sales of geese in Nunavut

Nunavut Inuit have the right to harvest geese at any time of year up to the full level of their economic, social, and cultural needs. There is currently no mechanism for Nunavut Inuit to sell geese, rather goose sales are prohibited and subject to fines. 15 million Snow and Ross's Geese migrate to nest in central and eastern Arctic Canada. Their population size threatens their conservation. The Aqqiumavvik Society in Arviat, Nunavut seeks to understand the feasibility of commercializing goose products to address Inuit food sovereignty goals and support a healthy goose population. This interactive town hall provides space to build collective understanding of how Inuit interests to commercialize geese may be advanced, within the provisions of current agreements, laws, and policies and advocating for modernization of them. Through an avattimik kamatsiarniq/respectful stewardship lens, we will use the principle of aajiiqatigiingniq to seek solutions and build agreement together through an inclusive, participatory group process. 

Co-Chairs: Shirley Tagalik, Aqqiumavvik Society 

Kukik Baker, Aqqiumavvik Society 

Qajaq Robinson, EQR Law 

Bert Dean, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 

Natalie Carter, McMaster University