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Hooked on Heritage: First Fish is Fishing for the Future
© First Fish Distribution Non-Profit Corporation – @alakanwhite
Hooked on Heritage: First Fish is Fishing for the Future
Fishing in the Arctic is a way of life, and for Mark Kilabuk, the Manager of the Pangnirtung Hunter and Trappers Association, it’s also a way to impart his love of Arctic Char—a prized fish that’s cherished across Canada.
Like many fishermen in Pangnirtung, Kilabuk’s journey with fishing began early. Some of his fondest memories include camping trips with his family, where the only tools they needed were a fishing rod and a love for the outdoors. Now, as part of the commercial fishing community, he watches fishermen travel far across frozen lakes—often enduring harsh conditions—for the best catch.
Arctic fishing is no easy feat. Trips can last from a single day to an entire week, covering vast distances of up to four hours by snowmobile. Experienced fishermen use snow machines and nets to catch fish beneath up to eight feet of ice, but conditions are increasingly unpredictable. Kilabuk noted that the fishing season, which traditionally stretched into late April, now ends much earlier due to the ice thinning prematurely, affecting the livelihoods of fishermen.
The Arctic waters surrounding Pangnirtung, along with remote lakes across Canada, are among the cleanest in the world. Thanks to the low human impact on the region, these waters yield fish with low contaminant levels, making them some of the purest seafood available. Fishermen travel long distances across frozen landscapes, catching Arctic Char with nets and long lines with minimal disturbance to the environment.
But the Arctic Char caught in Pangnirtung is also a lifeline for the community. Through First Fish Distribution, a non-profit social enterprise, profits will be reinvested into the local community, providing sustainable employment opportunities while preserving traditional knowledge and practices.
First Fish works closely with Indigenous communities that promote the development of cultural and economic stability, support in training and education for youth, helping them develop skills for culturally appropriate jobs in the fishery, as well as equipment and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring fishermen have the tools they need to succeed.
It’s a collaborative approach that aligns with the community's commitment to sustainable fishing and ensures that Arctic Char fishing remains a viable practice for generations to come, safeguarding both the fish population and the community’s way of life.
The Arctic Char is unmatched. Wild-caught in frigid waters, the fish retain more Omega-3 oils, providing numerous health benefits, from supporting heart health to aiding brain development. Unlike farmed fish, which tend to have higher fat content, these Arctic Char are rich in protein and low in mercury, making them a healthy and sustainable seafood choice as well as a taste of the Arctic. Try for yourself by making this Arctic Char Risotto!
ARCTIC CHAR RISOTTO
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES
This risotto is a delicious way to enjoy Arctic Char from the icy waters of Baffin Island—wild, pure, and sustainably caught in Canada’s cleanest waters.
Ingredients
Arctic Char Fillet
Risotto Rice
Butter
Stock of Choice
Lemon
Basil
Directions
Cook the risotto as per package instructions, adding lemon and basil when appropriate.
Pan-fry the Arctic Char Fillet (2-4 mins per side) with any seasonings you desire.
Top with salt and pepper and any other spices of your choice.
