Giftcards Practical information

Sheila Flaherty (Gunuyung)

An Inuvialuk chef, cultural advocate, and founder of sijjakkut, a 100% Inuit-owned culinary tourism venture based in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

 

Culinary Philosophy

Sheila blends traditional Inuit foodways with contemporary presentation. Using harvested foods like Arctic char, caribou, and mattaaq, her menus leverage culinary storytelling to honor the land, animals, and the enduring strength of Inuit culture.

 

Notable Achievements

Global Reach: Showcased traditional dishes across the Arctic and internationally—from New York City to Nuuk—including cooking at the Arctic Circle Assembly and speaking at the Sámi Parliament's food conference.

 

Media & Publications: Featured on MasterChef Canada (Top 24), guest-judged Top Chef USA, and was the only circumpolar chef to contribute a recipe to The Cookbook for the United Nations.

 

Cultural Education: Serves as an expedition educator and cookbook contributor, dedicated to preserving and sharing circumpolar food traditions.

Johnny Flaherty

An Inuk hunter, storyteller, cultural educator, and co-owner of sijjakkut with his wife, Sheila. Born and raised in Grise Fiord, Canada’s most northerly community, his parents were among the Inuit families relocated to the High Arctic during the government relocations of the early 1950s.

 

Upbringing & Expertise

Johnny grew up learning to navigate the land, ice, and sea from his father and older brothers. These experiences shaped him into a skilled, self-reliant hunter with deep knowledge of traveling and camping in the High Arctic through both 24-hour daylight and 24-hour darkness.

 

Achievements & Experience

Language & Education: Speaks and writes fluently in both Inuktitut and English. He completed the Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College.

 

Community Service: Has worked in corrections, contributed to search and rescue operations, and served as a Canadian Ranger.

 

Cultural Education: Works as an Inuit cultural educator (including voyages with Adventure Canada). He shares hunting stories and traditional values with warmth and humor, helping others understand the deep connection between land, food, family, and community.

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