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About Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre

Our vision is a Nunavut that has achieved food sovereignty. Currently, Nunavut has the highest rates of food insecurity in the country. Food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food. We focus on solutions that strengthen Nunavummiut's ability to acquire the food they want and need.

We’re on a mission to overcome the financial, educational, and systemic barriers to good food in Nunavut.

Our Story

Key Pillars

Our vision is shaped by the Community Food Centre model pioneered by the national organization to which we belong, Community Food Centres Canada.

Good Food Access

Good food in a welcoming environment is key to improving lives and providing other supports.

Culinary Food Skills

Navigating our modern food environment with confidence is important not just for healthy living, but for personal empowerment.

Education & Engagement

We motivate our community around issues that affect them and make their voices heard.

Key Pillars

A large percentage of Nunavummiut are experiencing food insecurity today. There are many contributing factors to the issue of food security in Nunavut.

Understanding these factors is key to our ability to support our community and work towards our vision.

Local Food Systems

The territory known today as Nunavut is a land of abundance. Inuit have subsisted on the flora and fauna for generations. Unique tools and technology have been developed to sustain their food system—a strong and unique food system that exists without the need for agriculture or animal husbandry.

Meet the Team

Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre’s operations are managed by a team of people who share the vision and values of our community.

We are currently hiring:

Deputy Executive Director

Board of Directors

Jessie Hale

Board President

Jessie began volunteering with Qajuqturvik shortly after she moved to Iqaluit in November 2019. She also volunteers with Frontier College and Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line and is one of the cofounders of Nunavut Theatre Company. Jessie spends her free time reading, cooking for friends, and walking her dog.

Lena Korgak

Vice-President

Lena, born and raised in Iqaluit, experienced food insecurity first-hand growing up, an experience that inspired her to volunteer with Qajuqturvik. Her education in environmental technology focused her love for harvesting and sharing food,  and has showed her that tackling food issues can be done both on the front line and administratively. Her current favorite food is tuktu quaq with broccoli dip!

Curtis Mesher

Secretary Treasurer

Curtis is an articling student with Maliganik Tukisiniarvik, working in the criminal law division. He is from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Curtis enjoys being out on the land, as well as film photography and painting. Aside from his involvement with Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre, he also coaches kids basketball in Iqaluit.

Jane Tagak

Community Member

Jane has lived most of her life in Nunavut, currently residing in Iqaluit. She is a retired teacher and has volunteered with QCFC for many years.

Alison Crowe

Community Member

Current Staff

Joseph Murdoch-Flowers

Executive Director

Joseph attended culinary school at L'Institut de Tourisme et d'Hôtellerie du Québec, and law school at McGill University in Montréal and has worked as both a lawyer and a cook. He invites you to come to Qajuqturvik and eat a meal with him.

Nancy McPhee

Program Director

Nancy has held many roles and worn many hats over the years at QCFC. Along with some baked goods, she also provides the team with much-needed humour. Nancy currently holds the position of Program Director.

Jamie Papatsie

Kitchen Chef

Jamie started as a program assistant, moved into the role of sous-chef, and is now kitchen manager, overseeing food services for QCFC's programming and ensuring we have a good supply of country music.

Vanessa St. Laurent

Program Assistant

Vanessa has been at QCFC since 2023. She has developed a great interest in baking. If you've eaten any of our homemade bread and other house-baked goodies, you can thank Vanessa.

Brad Caddel

Program Assistant

Originally from Edmonton, Brad has been at QCFC since 2024. If you ever have a chance to try his famous broccoli salad, don't hesitate! Who knows, you might get a chance to try his bannock, which has been described as "magic".

Sara Innuaraq

Program Assistant

Ainia Nooshoota

Manager—Qinnirvik Country Food Store

Ryan McGowan (they/them)

Cashier—Qinnirvik Country Food Store

Joanne Manning

Administrative Assistant

Mary Pijamini

Community Programming Coordinator

Tracey Helmer

Finance Officer

Tracey has been working across the North, mostly in Nunavut, for over a decade. She has worked for airlines and other non-profits. Her favourite food is anything our kitchen is cooking up—and soups.

woman smiling

Maria Coates

Fundraising Coordinator

Maria has 15 years of experience in non-profit development and fundraising for arts, culture, technology and social impact organizations. Maria is a Uruguayan-Canadian, so it might not be surprising that her favourite food is empanadas.

Thomas Rohner

Communications Coordintaor

Thomas worked as an Iqaluit-based journalist and communications specialist for nearly ten years before joining Qajuqturvik. His favourite food is anything with chocolate—any-thing—but especially a Sacher Torte.

Get Involved

The support we receive from our community has a direct impact on hundreds of Iqalummiut on a daily basis. You can help us in the following ways: