A dramatic video shows the moment an Inuit hunting crew harvested a bowhead whale during a rare, once-in-a-decade hunt.

Roger Alivaktuk, 53, witnessed the event, which took place on Saturday (26 July), 70 kilometres south of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada.

The hunt, which sees just one whale taken every 10 years under special permission, was led by the local Hunters and Trappers Organisation, the hand-picked crew who took part in the traditional harvest.

Bowhead whales are considered a delicacy and the hunt remains a vital tradition passed down through generations.

The meat and muktuk (whale skin and blubber) will feed families in Pangnirtung and surrounding communities.

Roger, from Pangnirtung, said:

"We've lived and hunted among the bowhead whales all our lives. "

"One whale is harvested every 10 years for the community. "

"This is my second time witnessing such an event and it is always fun."

"The crew did very well under some circumstances with some equipment failing."

While the hunts are a source of pride and cultural tradition for the Inuit, videos posted online have prompted strong criticism from some viewers with some calling the practice "disgusting" and "wrong."