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Sealing

Fisheries and Sealing Division provides foundational supports to increase opportunities to grow the sealing sector.

Our Division understands the importance of sealing to Inuit and Nunavummiut who have had a deep relationship with seals for generations. From harvest to the preparation of seal meat, the processing of skins, and the production of clothing and crafts, sealing is deeply rooted into daily life.

The Division plays a key role in the sector by:

  • Representing Nunavut’s sealing interests both nationally and internationally.
  • Providing funding for sealing initiatives and programs.
  • Working with partners to further develop the sealing economy.
  • Working with Greenlandic and other Inuit regions in Canada.

The main focus of the Division in the coming years will be to play a coordinating role in building foundational supports that are based on research, needs expressed by community members, and meaningful partnerships.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Promotion, Advocacy, Research, Development

The Division currently administers two programs to support sealing related activities: the Seal and Fur Grant and Contributions Program, which provides funding for activities that support the seal and fur sectors through promotion, advocacy, research, development, and diversification; and the Dressed Sealskin for Nunavummiut Program, which provides commercially tanned and dyed sealskins to Nunavummiut at cost to ensure accessibility and encourage the use of local skins within the sector. As the sealing sector continues to grow and evolve within the territory, our programs will need to do the same. By listening to and building meaningful relationships with community members within the sealing sector, the Division will work to ensure our programming meets the modern needs of Nunavummiut.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Supporting Our Communities

Community infrastructure specific to the processing and working of seal would provide essential support to the sector and facilitate more natural and sustainable growth driven by community interests. However, the development of new infrastructure within the territory can be challenging. Research into the feasibility of creating and maintaining these spaces will provide a baseline from which the Division can work to support future development initiatives as well as explore innovative ways to meet community needs.

ADVOCACY

Advocacy and Promotion

While Nunavummiut have expressed the need to prioritize building foundational supports for the sealing sector locally, there is continued interest in selling sealskin products outside of the territory and a desire to be a participant in the global market. Equitable access to previously established markets, as well as the exploration of new ones will therefore continue to be an important part of facilitating growth in Nunavut’s sealing economy. Through our relationships with national and international regulatory agencies, the Division plays an important role in advocating for the acknowledgement and equitable support of sealing in Nunavut both at home and abroad.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Building a Foundation for the Future

There exists a wealth of traditional knowledge in Nunavut and abroad relating to the harvesting of seals, processing of skins, and the production of clothing and crafts. We heard through consultations that there is a desire to gather such local and newly acquired knowledge and the need to develop a plan to ensure there are ongoing opportunities for the transfer of this knowledge to present and future generations of Nunavummiut. This will require a coordinated effort with extensive collaboration with communities and help build a strong foundation for the continued development of the sealing sector in Nunavut.

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