Food Insecurity, Hunger in Arctic due to Melting North

Kiss the Earth festival raises awareness and funds for Canadian victims of Climate Change

IQALUIT and TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - There are people in Canada who are facing food insecurity and real hunger due to climate change.  On February 18-23, 2016, the remote, fly-in Nunavut community of Igloolik is hosting Kiss the Earth, a national event, to raise awareness and funds for families and people being left hungry due to food insecurity caused by polar ice melt due to global warming.

Sponsored by theIgloolik Co-op and benefitting Friends of North, this inaugural event will highlight how climate change is tangibly affecting the Arctic environment, and the ability for remote Inuit communities to adequately feed themselves. Inuit Elders, dignitaries and celebrities will be in attendance - and Canadians are invited! The weekend event will feature a tundra clean up, incredible musical performances by stars such as Kelly Fraser and the first "Green carpet" screening of Theo and Chloe (2015, Spotlight Pictures), starring Igloolik Elder Mr. Theo Ikummaq, Dakota Johnson and Mira Sorvino, and produced by Sir Richard Branson.

"We are pleased to support Kiss the Earth, and the community of Igloolik," says Graham Dickson, CEO Arctic Kingdom. "Melting ice, due climate change is evident throughout the Arctic. It is creating food insecurity as Northern people are not able to access traditional hunting areas and wildlife is impacted. I encourage people to come to Igloolik for this wonderful event.

Travel to Igloolik is easy with flights from Ottawa and Iqaluit.

Kiss the Earth Event Schedule – visit Friends of the North Facebook page for updates

• February 19, 2016 - Join Tundra Take Back as they present how they are cleaning up the Arctic by removing recyclable materials from Nunavut landfills. Wind up the day with a performance of throat singers, drum dancers and a concert by local school children.
• February 20, 2016 - See local artisans turn stone into works of art. Green Carpet presentation of Chloe and Theo, starring Theo Ikummaq and Dakota Johnson. Mr. Ikummaq will answer questions. End your day at the VIP after party.
• February 21, 2016 - Attend a screening of Chasing Ice, a National Geographic documentary. A roundtable discussion occurs after the screening with local elders and Mr. Ikummaq.
• February 22, 2016 - Enjoy activities like dog-sledding, ice fishing, or building an igloo. Personally see and experience the impact that climate change is having in the Arctic.

About

• Igloolik Coop - Since 1963, Inuit-run and operated coop, meeting the diverse needs of our community. www.arcticco-op.com/acl-baffin-region-igloolik.htm
• Friends of the North - Our mission is to alleviate poverty in Canada's Fly-in only communities by assisting community programs such as Food Banks, Community Pre/post Natal programs and community recreation programs and youth programs. www.friendsofthenorth.ca/
• Arctic Kingdom - Based in Iqaluit, Arctic Kingdom works with its community partners to design and deliver exceptional Arctic travel and wildlife experiences, including Arctic safaris, eco-expeditions and diving. www.arctickingdom.com.

SOURCE Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions Inc.

Image with caption: "Igloolik’s famous three Inuksuks warmly welcome visitors to town. ©spiritmaster.com. (CNW Group/Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160218_C2925_PHOTO_EN_623656.jpg

Media Contacts: Dana Barker-Sheaves, Assistant Manager, Igloolik Coop, [phone], [email protected]; Friends of the North, Susan Fahidy, Executive Director, [phone], [email protected]; MaryBeth McKenzie, Arctic Kingdom, [phone], [email protected]