Table I.

Importance of marine mammal harvests to participants

Self-determination

People should have the right to eat traditional cultural foods, to pursue traditional cultural activities and livelihoods, and to pass traditions on to the next generation.

Health and food security

Non-native foods are more likely to cause diabetes and heart disease Marine mammal oils are used to preserve other native foods. Marine mammal foods are portable and keep hunters warm and full when hunting. Stores do not always have food available in isolated villages. The rural cash economy is unstable; people will not always have money to buy food from the store.

Cultural preference

Native foods are preferred foods, and seal oil is an essential condiment. Some people cannot eat food without seal oil. They prefer seal oil over mayonnaise or ketchup. We grew up using that seal oil … we have to have it. It's food that I grew up with. And when I don't eat it, I always tell my wife, ‘I'm starving’. That's our beef. Our beef from the ocean.

Lifestyle/identity

Hunting is a very important part of identity. Preparing, sharing, and consuming native foods are important cultural activities. Children learn cultural traditions by participating in marine mammal harvesting and preparation. Marine mammal parts are needed to make items such as drums and clothes for cultural activities. Handicrafts from marine mammals provide income.

Non-italicised phrases are paraphrased from quotes, italicised phrases are direct quotes.