Nunavut elder protests fishing derbies as against Inuit values
Jackie Iguptak says it is not Inuit tradition to harvest animals to compete for prize money
An elder in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, held a one-man protest against fishing derbies in the territory on Tuesday, saying they are contrary to traditional Inuit values.
Jackie Iguptak held a sign reading "Fishing derby is not Inuit game sport. Shame on Nunavut" where people were lining up to have their fish measured.
He says it is not Inuit tradition to harvest animals for prize money.
"I've been trying to let people know over the radio and CB early in the morning but nobody seems to get it. That's why I took action," he says.
"Growing up I was told that Inuit food is not for competing or gambling."
Iguptak says he did get some support for his protest, but he understands many will not agree with him.
Some people responding on social media to Iguptak's protest agreed with his stance, others say derbies are OK as long as the fish isn't wasted, while others say it's time to move on and adapt.