Using Inuit knowledge and country foods to improve mental health in Arviat
Integrating Inuit Knowledge Principles in Multi-Level Mental Health Clinical Trials
This project will test whether eating more country foods and joining cultural and food‑gathering activities can help reduce depression and anxiety for Inuit adults in Arviat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Arviat, Nunavut and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07014852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program delivers a multi-level approach combining increased access to traditional country foods, community-led cultural workshops, and integration with clinical care for Inuit adults in Arviat. Participants (ages 18–65) engaged with the Aqqiumavvik Wellness Centre will be invited to consume provided country foods and take part in guided individual and group cultural activities. Mental health outcomes will be measured primarily with the PHQ-9 alongside assessments of feasibility, cultural acceptability, and impacts on food sovereignty, including whether delayed access still produces benefits. Elders' roles and systemic barriers to country-food access will be documented to inform culturally grounded clinical and policy recommendations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Inuit adults aged 18–65 in Arviat who can consent, are participating in Aqqiumavvik Wellness Centre programs, and are willing to eat provided country foods and join group activities.
Not a fit: People under 18 or over 65, those with mental health conditions requiring immediate clinical intervention, or individuals with allergies or medical reasons preventing consumption of country foods are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while strengthening cultural identity and improving access to country foods for participants.
How similar studies have performed: Community-based and culturally grounded programs for Indigenous mental health have shown promising results, but rigorous randomized evaluations of country-food interventions remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inuit * Able to consent to study participation * Participating in community wellness programs facilitated by the Aqqiumavvik Wellness Centre within 6 months prior to screening * Willing to consume country foods provided as part of the intervention * Willing to engage in individual and group activities, including guided conversations and cultural workshops * 18-65 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years of age * Greater than 65 years of age * Unable to consent to study participation * Mental health conditions requiring immediate clinical intervention * Known allergies or medical conditions that prevent the consumption of traditional country foods * Physical or logistical barriers that prevent participation in weekly activities
Where this trial is running
Arviat, Nunavut and 1 other locations
- Aqqiumavvik Society — Arviat, Nunavut, Canada (Recruiting)
- Aqqiumavvik - Arviat Wellness Society — Arviat, Nunavut, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wayne Clark, Ed.D — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Wayne Clark, Ed.D
- Email: wclark1@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 7804928482
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.