Nicole Traynor

Nicole Traynor (she/her) worked with Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre (QCFC) investigating the role food plays in building belonging, and how economic solutions could eliminate food insecurity in Iqaluit, Nunavut. 

Report

The Correlation Between Income, Food Security and Community in Nunavut 

The purpose of this research is to advocate for long-term solutions to address food insecurity and increase food system autonomy within Nunavut. By advocating for an income-based solution to address food security in Nunavut, this project aimed to highlight policies and programs that could benefit from being reviewed and updated to address the territory’s evolving needs. There are a few key findings, first there has been a high volume of studies conducted in Nunavut and the Arctic region, suggesting that the region is over-researched with little action resulting from these various research projects. Extractive research in Nunavut has led to people experiencing severe participant exhaustion, while often not benefitting from the studies they have participated in, or at times not having access to the outcomes of the study. This project highlights the importance of universal basic income, and annual policy review. I also highlight that empowerment through cultural connection is a vital pathway to achieving food sovereignty in Nunavut. The impact that food sovereignty can have on self-determination, decolonization of food systems, and rebuilding or affirming belonging to place, power, and purpose, will only be possible when food security is established in the region. 

Community Engagement Initiative

Nicole set out to pressure policy makers to address food insecurity in Nunavut through a letter writing campaign, and surveying community members. While surveying wasn’t successful, that lead to a core finding of the report – people are tired of surveys and want to see action! Read more here, and sign the petition here! 

Read Nicole’s Blog: Nutrition North Canada Program: A Feeble Effort to End Hunger  

Bio

Nicole Traynor (she/her) holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Guelph in Political Science and Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a JD/JID degree from the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law, which specializes in both common law and Indigenous legal orders. She is passionate about law, Indigenous rights, and food security within Canada. After graduation she hopes to work with Indigenous Nations on title claims.  

Keywords

Food insecurity, food sovereignty, Universal Basic Income, policy review, income-based solutions, adequate support, social belonging, income, right to food, advocacy.