Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience
Ilisaqsivik Society: Nurturing Community Health and Wellbeing Ilisaqsivik is an Inuit-led, community-based organization located in Clyde River, Nunavut, dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of Inuit communities. Established in 1997, Ilisaqsivik provides a range of culturally grounded programs and services in Inuktitut aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by Inuit people. Their initiatives are wide-ranging but share a common thread: improving the well-being and personal potential of Nunavummiut. One of Ilisaqsivik’s core offerings is its roster of health and wellness programs, which are based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) and Innuqatigiittiarniq (the healthy interconnection of mind, body, spirit, and the environment) as a path to healing. By integrating traditional Inuit knowledge and practices, Ilisaqsivik ensures that their services are both relevant and effective. Ilisaqsivik’s “Our Life’s Journey” program blends traditional Inuit healing methods with contemporary counseling approaches to create culturally relevant support systems. The program has been successfully training counselors for 15 years, with many Baffin Region graduates staffing their Mobile Trauma Crisis Response Team, ensuring communities have access to culturally appropriate mental health support in their own language. Quark Expeditions is thrilled to direct auction funds to support the work of Ilisaqsivik to foster Inuit community building and empowering Inuit to determine and follow their own paths.
Developed in partnership with Igapall, the non-profit Inuit food and cultural group, Quark Expeditions offers a unique Inuit culinary program, the only one of its kind globally. This initiative aims to deepen cultural appreciation and understanding of Inuit foods and traditions for our international guests. Rooted in the fundamental connection between food, culture, and the land in Inuit society, this program provides a rich and meaningful experience. Through meaningful interaction with the Inuit chefs, guests gain insight into the profound relationship between the Inuit people and their environment, fostering respect for nature and its preservation. Our Arctic voyages are enriched by these culturally immersive experiences, made possible through collaboration with local partners. Leveraging the onboard facilities of Ultramarine , we provide regionally relevant programming that educates and connects guests with the areas they visit. Hosting multiple seatings enables the majority of guests to participate. The Tundra to Table program, led by Inuit Chefs Peter and Miki, has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from guests, with many citing it as a highlight of their voyage. This intimate dining experience allows for meaningful interaction with the chefs, who share their food, traditions and history. This recognition underscores the success of our efforts to provide authentic and enriching experiences while supporting local communities and sustainable tourism initiatives.
To learn more about Igapall, visit Instagram.com/Igapall.
To learn more about Ilisaqsivik Society, visit Ilisaqsivik.ca.
WATCH: Tundra to Table
38 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Polar Promise 2023 |
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