The Inuit perspective is that each living thing has a spirit and a soul that endures even after life has left the body. Inuit are grateful for the food, clothing and other necessities seals provide.

Representatives of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association have observed the Canadian harp seal hunt in 2002 and concluded that, of the animals studied, 98% were killed in an acceptably humane manner. This study compared very favourably to the animal welfare standard required in abattoirs in North America and the European Union.

A commission of inquiry (“The Malouf Commission”), appointed by the Canadian government in the wake of the anti-sealing protests, concluded that the killing of wild animals can be justified on ethical grounds if four conditions are met: the existence of the species is not threatened, no unnecessary pain or cruelty is inflicted, the killing serves an important use and the killing involves a minimum of waste. The Nunavut seal hunt easily meets all these qualifications.