Could caribou and elder wisdom lift depression? new trial explores inuit food as medicine
NCT ID NCT07014852
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study in Arviat, Nunavut, is testing whether eating more traditional country foods like caribou and fish, along with participating in Elder-led cultural workshops, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in Inuit adults. Forty participants will receive weekly food distributions and attend workshops over 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this culturally rooted approach is acceptable and whether it improves emotional well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Traditional country foods (caribou, fish) and cultural workshops led by Elders
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a culturally grounded way to ease depression and anxiety in Inuit communities.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (40 people) testing feasibility and cultural fit, not yet designed to prove mental health benefits. Results may not apply beyond this community.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Aqqiumavvik - Arviat Wellness Society
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGArviat, Nunavut, X0C0E0, Canada
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Aqqiumavvik Society
RECRUITINGArviat, Nunavut, X0C 0E0, Canada
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