Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically im... more Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically important for achieving and sustaining food security for many communities. In Canada’s North, land claim agreements include provisions for First Nations to participate in the governance of their traditional territories, including the co-management of important traditional (wild-harvested) food species. Because such agreements only specify the broad contours of co-management governance, their actual functioning evolves out of a complex interplay among the co-managing organizations over the course of time. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of how First Nations communities can enhance food security as participants in co-management. Our study connects research on food security with research on co-management and is the first to analyze how First Nations can improve their food security by influencing decision-making that affects traditional foods through co-management arrangements. Fol...
Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia... more Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia experience the highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14- month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.
Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrie... more Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrients necessary for red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in the contemporary diet of Inuit adults across Canada. Many caribou populations across the circumpolar north, however, have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades. Restricted access to caribou may negatively impact the nutrition and health of Inuit communities. Methods: We used data from the Inuit Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 2550 Inuit adults in thirty-six communities across northern Canada (conducted in 2007-2008) to examine the relationship between caribou consumption, hemoglobin (Hb), and blood biomarkers of nutrient intake and contaminant exposure. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the potential public health impact of a theoretical restriction in caribou consumption, by estimating the response of Hb concentrations (and the attendant change in anemia prevalence), to theoretical changes in caribou consumption (with and without substitution of caribou with other country food meat). Results: Mean (95% CI) daily caribou meat consumption differed by an order of magnitude 4.3 (3.9-4.7), 51.1 (48.5-53. 8), and 236.7 (224.7-248.7) grams/day between tertiles of caribou consumption. Mean (95% CI) hemoglobin levels increased from 129.1 (128.1-130.2) g/L to 132.5 (131.3-133.7) g/L between the highest and lowest tertiles of caribou consumption. In multivariable regression analyses, average daily caribou meat consumption was positively associated (P< 0.001) with hemoglobin levels. This relationship translated into approximately 4 g/L hemoglobin increase in participants in the third tertile of caribou consumption. The overall prevalence of anemia observed in the study population was 26.5% (24.5-28.3%) and a modelled restriction in caribou consumption (i.e. caribou = 0) increased the overall prevalence of anemia by approximately 6%. The maximum negative effect of caribou restrictions was related to a complete restriction on caribou consumption, coupled with the substitution of caribou with other country food meat (35.4% prevalence). Conclusions: Given the importance of caribou to Inuit culture, health and wellbeing, and the high price of healthful market foods in remote northern communities, strategies to promote the sustainable harvest of country foods are urgently required to ensure the health and nutrition security of the Inuit, in the context of rapidly changing Arctic environments and ecosystems.
A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in... more A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
ObjectiveTo characterize the major components of the contemporary Inuit diet and identify the pri... more ObjectiveTo characterize the major components of the contemporary Inuit diet and identify the primary sources of energy and essential nutrients.DesignDietary data were derived from the 24 h recall collected by the Inuit Health Survey (IHS) from 2007 to 2008. The population proportion method was used to determine the percentage contribution of each group. Unique food items/preparations (ninety-three country foods and 1591 market foods) were classified into eight country food groups and forty-one market food groups. Nutrient composition of each food item was obtained from the Canadian Nutrient File.SettingThirty-six communities across three Inuit regions of northern Canada.SubjectsA representative sample (n 2095) of non-pregnant Inuit adults (≥18 years), selected through stratified random sampling.ResultsDespite their modest contribution to total energy intake (6·4–19·6 %, by region) country foods represented a major source of protein (23–52 %), Fe (28–54 %), niacin (24–52 %) and vita...
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peo... more Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Although caribou populations observe natural cycles of abundance and scarcity, several caribou herds across the Circumpolar North have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades due to a range of interrelated factors. Broadly, the objectives of this study are to examine food and nutrition security in relation to wildlife population and management status across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland, consisting of four regions across the Canadian Arctic). Specifically, we: (1) characterize the contribution of caribou to Inuit nutrition across northern Canada and (2) evaluate the population and management status of caribou herds/populations harvested by Inuit. Dietary data were derived from the 2007-2008 Inuit Health Survey, which included dietary information for Inuit adults (n = 2097) residing in thirty-six communities, spanning three regions (the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut) of the Canadian North. Published information regarding the range, abundance, status, and management status of caribou herds/ populations was collected through document analysis and was validated through consultation with northern wildlife experts (territorial governments, co-management, and/or Inuit organizations). While caribou contributed modestly to total diet energy (3-11% of intake) across the regions, it was the primary source of iron (14-37%), zinc (18-41%), copper (12-39%), riboflavin (15-39%), and vitamin B12 (27-52%), as well as a top source of protein (13-35%). Restrictions on Inuit subsistence harvest (harvest quotas or bans) are currently enacted on at least six northern caribou herds/populations with potential consequences for country food access for over twenty-five Inuit communities across Canada. A holistic multi-sectorial approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, while supporting Inuit food and nutrition security in the interim.
Objectives: This research examines links between Métis identity and health and well-being for Mét... more Objectives: This research examines links between Métis identity and health and well-being for Métis women at risk of sexual exploitation in British Columbia, identifies user-defined elements of culturally safe health and social services, and recommends ways to improve health promotion and services. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews with Métis women and three focus groups with a total of twenty service providers were conducted in three urban centres in BC: Fort St. John, Prince George, and Vancouver. Primary themes included Métis women's health and well-being, supports and services for Métis women, and Métisspecific health promotion messaging. Qualitative data analysis was performed using QSR NVivo™ software. Results: The link between Métis identity and well-being was consistently highlighted. Children and education were important motivators, and in some cases enablers, for improving well-being. Many Métis women reported negative experiences in accessing a range of both Aboriginal and mainstream services due to perceived prejudice. Métis-specific or Métis-inclusive services are desired but currently limited. Among multiple characteristics that contribute to culturally safe services, an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere and trusting clientpractitioner relationships are primary. Conclusion: The effectiveness of health and social services for Métis women is linked to respectful awareness about Métis identity, incorporating Métis women as collaborators, and removing culturally specific barriers. Moving toward cultural safety for Métis women can begin with basic improvements in health promotion and service provision; however, systemic change that addresses the social determinants of health must be fostered through culturally appropriate policy and practice at multiple levels. Changing Métis demographics will increasingly impel governments and organizations to address issues around Métis-specificity.
The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, ... more The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, communicate to the public by telecommunication or on the Internet, loan, distribute and sell theses worldwide, for commercial or noncommercial purposes, in microform, paper, electronic and/or any other formats. L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, prefer, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou autres formats.
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all “pillars” of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security “pillars”; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initia...
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all “pillars” of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security “pillars”; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initia...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020
Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity... more Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity, and diet-related health conditions compared to national averages. The objective of this systematic scoping review is to synthesize information from the published literature on the methods/approaches, findings, and scope for research and interventions on the retail food sector servicing Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries. A structured literature search in two major international databases yielded 139 relevant peer-reviewed articles from nine countries. Most research was conducted in Oceania and North America, and in rural and remote regions. Several convergent issues were identified across global regions including limited grocery store availability/access, heightened exposure to unhealthy food environments, inadequate market food supplies (i.e., high prices, limited availability, and poor quality), and common underlying structural factors including socioeconomic inequality and colonialism. A list of actions that can modify the nature and structure of retailing systems to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthful foods is identified. While continuing to (re)align research with community priorities, international collaboration may foster enhanced opportunities to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice and contribute to the amelioration of diet quality and health at the population level.
A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three
Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in... more A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based... more This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based initiatives to reduce food insecurity and build sustainable food systems in the North. Through an examination of the current state of food systems infrastructure, transportation, harvest, and production in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, we argue in favour of a multi-sector approach that supports diversified food systems, including traditional/country food production and distribution, in a way that values and prioritizes community-led initiatives and Indigenous peoples' self-determination and self-governance. The challenge of developing sustainable, northern food systems requires made-in-the-North solutions that are attuned to cultural, geographic, environmental, and political contexts. Recent policy developments suggest some progress in this direction, however much more work is needed. Ultimately, sustainable northern food systems must be defined by and for Northerners at community, local, and regional levels, with particular attention paid to treaty rights and the right to self-determination of First Nations and other Indigenous communities. RÉSUMÉ. Cet article se penche sur la manière dont les politiques et les cadres de référence fédéraux du Canada peuvent mieux soutenir les initiatives communautaires afin d'atténuer l'insécurité alimentaire et d'édifier des systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord. En nous appuyant sur l'examen de l'état actuel de l'infrastructure des systèmes alimentaires, du transport, des récoltes et de la production du Yukon, des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, du Nunavut, du Nunavik et du Nunatsiavut, nous plaidons en faveur d'une approche multisectorielle favorisant des systèmes alimentaires diversifiés, y compris la production et la distribution d'aliments traditionnels ou du terroir, valorisant et priorisant les initiatives communautaires de même que l'autodétermination et l'autonomie gouvernementale des peuples autochtones. Le défi consistant à concevoir des systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord nécessite des solutions provenant du Nord, solutions qui tiennent compte des contextes culturel, géographique, environnemental et politique. De récents développements en matière de politiques suggèrent un certain progrès, mais il reste toutefois fort à faire dans ce sens. Au bout du compte, les systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord doivent être définis par et pour les gens du Nord à l'échelle communautaire, locale et régionale, en accordant une attention particulière aux droits issus des traités ainsi qu'au droit à l'autodétermination des Premières Nations et d'autres collectivités autochtones. Mots clés : système alimentaire; politique alimentaire; Nord; autochtone; Arctique; durable; sécurité alimentaire; souveraineté alimentaire Traduit pour la revue Arctic par Nicole Giguère.
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all "pillars" of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security "pillars"; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initiatives that support food security in the ISR. These are funded and implemented at a range of national, territorial, regional, and local levels, and include both governmental and non-governmental programs, strategic frameworks, and research and monitoring initiatives. Seven key themes emerged from the cross-scale analysis of these initiatives, including: orientation with respect to food security pillars, scope and scale, demographic targeting, funding, monitoring and evaluation, and implications for food security
Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically im... more Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically important for achieving and sustaining food security for many communities. In Canada's North, land claim agreements include provisions for First Nations to participate in the governance of their traditional territories, including the co-management of important traditional (wild-harvested) food species. Because such agreements only specify the broad contours of co-management governance, their actual functioning evolves out of a complex interplay among the co-managing organizations over the course of time. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of how First Nations communities can enhance food security as participants in co-management. Our study connects research on food security with research on co-management and is the first to analyze how First Nations can improve their food security by influencing decision-making that affects traditional foods through co-management arrangements. Following a succinct review of the Indigenous food security and co-management literatures, we analyze the experiences of Kluane First Nation in enhancing community food security through the co-management of its traditional territory with Yukon Government and Parks Canada, interpreting the data in light of the theories and evidences offered by research on co-management. The analysis of data collected from semi-structured interviews and from First Nations and government resources shows that, while the co-management system is imperfect, it does offer a mechanism through which First Nations can exert influence on decisions that affect their food security. The three key themes emerging from the excerpts confirm the importance of co-management as an evolutionary and long-term process, in which trust-and relationship-building are ongoing activities that are fundamental to beneficial collaboration involving the sharing of information and power. The analysis also highlights the role of context, or situational factors, in facilitating or hindering collaboration. RÉSUMÉ. Pour de nombreuses collectivités, les aliments traditionnels que les peuples des Premières Nations récoltent ou recueillent sur la terre continuent de revêtir une importance primordiale pour atteindre et maintenir la sécurité alimentaire. Dans le Nord canadien, les ententes de revendications territoriales comprennent des dispositions selon lesquelles les Premières Nations peuvent jouer un rôle dans la gouvernance de leurs territoires traditionnels, ce qui comprend la cogestion des espèces alimentaires (sauvages et cueillies) traditionnelles importantes. Puisque ces ententes ne font mention que des grandes lignes de la gouvernance en cogestion, leur fonctionnement est le résultat, en réalité, d'une interaction complexe entre les organismes de cogestion au fil du temps. Cet article cherche à mieux comprendre comment les collectivités des Premières Nations peuvent améliorer leur sécurité alimentaire à titre de participants à la cogestion. Notre étude fait le lien entre les recherches sur la sécurité alimentaire et les recherches sur la cogestion. Il s'agit de la première étude qui analyse la manière dont les Premières Nations peuvent améliorer leur sécurité alimentaire en influençant les décisions qui ont des incidences sur les aliments traditionnels, et ce, par le biais d'accords de cogestion. Après un examen succinct de la documentation qui existe au sujet de la sécurité alimentaire et de la cogestion, nous analysons l'expérience de la Première Nation de Kluane en matière d'amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire de la collectivité grâce à la cogestion de son territoire traditionnel avec le gouvernement du Yukon et Parcs Canada, puis nous interprétons les données à la lumière de théories et d'éléments de preuve découlant de travaux de recherche sur la cogestion. L'analyse des données recueillies à partir d'entrevues semi-structurées auprès de Premières Nations et de gouvernements montre que bien que le système de la cogestion soit imparfait, il offre un mécanisme permettant aux Premières Nations d'exercer une influence sur les décisions touchant leur sécurité alimentaire. Les principaux thèmes qui émergent de ces influences confirment l'importance de la cogestion à titre de processus évolutionnaire à long terme, dans le cadre duquel l'édification de la confiance et la conclusion de relations constituent des aspects fondamentaux en vue d'une
This article highlights a collaborative, pan-territorial,
federally funded1 research project deve... more This article highlights a collaborative, pan-territorial, federally funded1 research project developed through an iterative process of open communication and relationship-building, involving research partners from multiple academic institutions, six NWT communities across four land claim regions, and regional and territorial organizations/governments.2 Together, we aim to identify, develop, and implement community-defined and -driven initiatives with the goal of enhancing local capacity to plan for and address food security issues in the face of climate change and other stressors. Our approach, centred on the core principles of fostering community leadership, and community involvement and engagement, also highlights an innovative way forward for other types of health-related research in the North.
Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrie... more Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrients necessary for red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in the contemporary diet of Inuit adults across Canada. Many caribou populations across the circumpolar north, however, have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades. Restricted access to caribou may negatively impact the nutrition and health of Inuit communities. Methods: We used data from the Inuit Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 2550 Inuit adults in thirty-six communities across northern Canada (conducted in 2007-2008) to examine the relationship between caribou consumption, hemoglobin (Hb), and blood biomarkers of nutrient intake and contaminant exposure. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the potential public health impact of a theoretical restriction in caribou consumption, by estimating the response of Hb concentrations (and the attendant change in anemia prevalence), to theoretical changes in caribou consumption (with and without substitution of caribou with other country food meat). Results: Mean (95% CI) daily caribou meat consumption differed by an order of magnitude 4.3 (3.9-4.7), 51.1 (48.5-53. 8), and 236.7 (224.7-248.7) grams/day between tertiles of caribou consumption. Mean (95% CI) hemoglobin levels increased from 129.1 (128.1-130.2) g/L to 132.5 (131.3-133.7) g/L between the highest and lowest tertiles of caribou consumption. In multivariable regression analyses, average daily caribou meat consumption was positively associated (P< 0.001) with hemoglobin levels. This relationship translated into approximately 4 g/L hemoglobin increase in participants in the third tertile of caribou consumption. The overall prevalence of anemia observed in the study population was 26.5% (24.5-28.3%) and a modelled restriction in caribou consumption (i.e. caribou = 0) increased the overall prevalence of anemia by approximately 6%. The maximum negative effect of caribou restrictions was related to a complete restriction on caribou consumption, coupled with the substitution of caribou with other country food meat (35.4% prevalence). Conclusions: Given the importance of caribou to Inuit culture, health and wellbeing, and the high price of healthful market foods in remote northern communities, strategies to promote the sustainable harvest of country foods are urgently required to ensure the health and nutrition security of the Inuit, in the context of rapidly changing Arctic environments and ecosystems.
Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia... more Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia experience the highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14- month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peo... more Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Although caribou populations observe natural cycles of abundance and scarcity, several caribou herds across the Circumpolar North have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades due to a range of interrelated factors. Broadly, the objectives of this study are to examine food and nutrition security in relation to wildlife population and management status across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland, consisting of four regions across the Canadian Arctic). Specifically, we: (1) characterize the contribution of caribou to Inuit nutrition across northern Canada and (2) evaluate the population and management status of caribou herds/populations harvested by Inuit. Dietary data were derived from the 2007-2008 Inuit Health Survey, which included dietary information for Inuit adults (n = 2097) residing in thirty-six communities, spanning three regions (the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut) of the Canadian North. Published information regarding the range, abundance, status, and management status of caribou herds/ populations was collected through document analysis and was validated through consultation with northern wildlife experts (territorial governments, co-management, and/or Inuit organizations). While caribou contributed modestly to total diet energy (3-11% of intake) across the regions, it was the primary source of iron (14-37%), zinc (18-41%), copper (12-39%), riboflavin (15-39%), and vitamin B12 (27-52%), as well as a top source of protein (13-35%). Restrictions on Inuit subsistence harvest (harvest quotas or bans) are currently enacted on at least six northern caribou herds/populations with potential consequences for country food access for over twenty-five Inuit communities across Canada. A holistic multi-sectorial approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, while supporting Inuit food and nutrition security in the interim.
Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically im... more Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically important for achieving and sustaining food security for many communities. In Canada’s North, land claim agreements include provisions for First Nations to participate in the governance of their traditional territories, including the co-management of important traditional (wild-harvested) food species. Because such agreements only specify the broad contours of co-management governance, their actual functioning evolves out of a complex interplay among the co-managing organizations over the course of time. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of how First Nations communities can enhance food security as participants in co-management. Our study connects research on food security with research on co-management and is the first to analyze how First Nations can improve their food security by influencing decision-making that affects traditional foods through co-management arrangements. Fol...
Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia... more Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia experience the highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14- month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.
Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrie... more Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrients necessary for red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in the contemporary diet of Inuit adults across Canada. Many caribou populations across the circumpolar north, however, have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades. Restricted access to caribou may negatively impact the nutrition and health of Inuit communities. Methods: We used data from the Inuit Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 2550 Inuit adults in thirty-six communities across northern Canada (conducted in 2007-2008) to examine the relationship between caribou consumption, hemoglobin (Hb), and blood biomarkers of nutrient intake and contaminant exposure. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the potential public health impact of a theoretical restriction in caribou consumption, by estimating the response of Hb concentrations (and the attendant change in anemia prevalence), to theoretical changes in caribou consumption (with and without substitution of caribou with other country food meat). Results: Mean (95% CI) daily caribou meat consumption differed by an order of magnitude 4.3 (3.9-4.7), 51.1 (48.5-53. 8), and 236.7 (224.7-248.7) grams/day between tertiles of caribou consumption. Mean (95% CI) hemoglobin levels increased from 129.1 (128.1-130.2) g/L to 132.5 (131.3-133.7) g/L between the highest and lowest tertiles of caribou consumption. In multivariable regression analyses, average daily caribou meat consumption was positively associated (P< 0.001) with hemoglobin levels. This relationship translated into approximately 4 g/L hemoglobin increase in participants in the third tertile of caribou consumption. The overall prevalence of anemia observed in the study population was 26.5% (24.5-28.3%) and a modelled restriction in caribou consumption (i.e. caribou = 0) increased the overall prevalence of anemia by approximately 6%. The maximum negative effect of caribou restrictions was related to a complete restriction on caribou consumption, coupled with the substitution of caribou with other country food meat (35.4% prevalence). Conclusions: Given the importance of caribou to Inuit culture, health and wellbeing, and the high price of healthful market foods in remote northern communities, strategies to promote the sustainable harvest of country foods are urgently required to ensure the health and nutrition security of the Inuit, in the context of rapidly changing Arctic environments and ecosystems.
A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in... more A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
ObjectiveTo characterize the major components of the contemporary Inuit diet and identify the pri... more ObjectiveTo characterize the major components of the contemporary Inuit diet and identify the primary sources of energy and essential nutrients.DesignDietary data were derived from the 24 h recall collected by the Inuit Health Survey (IHS) from 2007 to 2008. The population proportion method was used to determine the percentage contribution of each group. Unique food items/preparations (ninety-three country foods and 1591 market foods) were classified into eight country food groups and forty-one market food groups. Nutrient composition of each food item was obtained from the Canadian Nutrient File.SettingThirty-six communities across three Inuit regions of northern Canada.SubjectsA representative sample (n 2095) of non-pregnant Inuit adults (≥18 years), selected through stratified random sampling.ResultsDespite their modest contribution to total energy intake (6·4–19·6 %, by region) country foods represented a major source of protein (23–52 %), Fe (28–54 %), niacin (24–52 %) and vita...
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peo... more Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Although caribou populations observe natural cycles of abundance and scarcity, several caribou herds across the Circumpolar North have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades due to a range of interrelated factors. Broadly, the objectives of this study are to examine food and nutrition security in relation to wildlife population and management status across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland, consisting of four regions across the Canadian Arctic). Specifically, we: (1) characterize the contribution of caribou to Inuit nutrition across northern Canada and (2) evaluate the population and management status of caribou herds/populations harvested by Inuit. Dietary data were derived from the 2007-2008 Inuit Health Survey, which included dietary information for Inuit adults (n = 2097) residing in thirty-six communities, spanning three regions (the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut) of the Canadian North. Published information regarding the range, abundance, status, and management status of caribou herds/ populations was collected through document analysis and was validated through consultation with northern wildlife experts (territorial governments, co-management, and/or Inuit organizations). While caribou contributed modestly to total diet energy (3-11% of intake) across the regions, it was the primary source of iron (14-37%), zinc (18-41%), copper (12-39%), riboflavin (15-39%), and vitamin B12 (27-52%), as well as a top source of protein (13-35%). Restrictions on Inuit subsistence harvest (harvest quotas or bans) are currently enacted on at least six northern caribou herds/populations with potential consequences for country food access for over twenty-five Inuit communities across Canada. A holistic multi-sectorial approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, while supporting Inuit food and nutrition security in the interim.
Objectives: This research examines links between Métis identity and health and well-being for Mét... more Objectives: This research examines links between Métis identity and health and well-being for Métis women at risk of sexual exploitation in British Columbia, identifies user-defined elements of culturally safe health and social services, and recommends ways to improve health promotion and services. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews with Métis women and three focus groups with a total of twenty service providers were conducted in three urban centres in BC: Fort St. John, Prince George, and Vancouver. Primary themes included Métis women's health and well-being, supports and services for Métis women, and Métisspecific health promotion messaging. Qualitative data analysis was performed using QSR NVivo™ software. Results: The link between Métis identity and well-being was consistently highlighted. Children and education were important motivators, and in some cases enablers, for improving well-being. Many Métis women reported negative experiences in accessing a range of both Aboriginal and mainstream services due to perceived prejudice. Métis-specific or Métis-inclusive services are desired but currently limited. Among multiple characteristics that contribute to culturally safe services, an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere and trusting clientpractitioner relationships are primary. Conclusion: The effectiveness of health and social services for Métis women is linked to respectful awareness about Métis identity, incorporating Métis women as collaborators, and removing culturally specific barriers. Moving toward cultural safety for Métis women can begin with basic improvements in health promotion and service provision; however, systemic change that addresses the social determinants of health must be fostered through culturally appropriate policy and practice at multiple levels. Changing Métis demographics will increasingly impel governments and organizations to address issues around Métis-specificity.
The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, ... more The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, communicate to the public by telecommunication or on the Internet, loan, distribute and sell theses worldwide, for commercial or noncommercial purposes, in microform, paper, electronic and/or any other formats. L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, prefer, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou autres formats.
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all “pillars” of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security “pillars”; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initia...
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all “pillars” of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security “pillars”; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initia...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020
Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity... more Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity, and diet-related health conditions compared to national averages. The objective of this systematic scoping review is to synthesize information from the published literature on the methods/approaches, findings, and scope for research and interventions on the retail food sector servicing Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries. A structured literature search in two major international databases yielded 139 relevant peer-reviewed articles from nine countries. Most research was conducted in Oceania and North America, and in rural and remote regions. Several convergent issues were identified across global regions including limited grocery store availability/access, heightened exposure to unhealthy food environments, inadequate market food supplies (i.e., high prices, limited availability, and poor quality), and common underlying structural factors including socioeconomic inequality and colonialism. A list of actions that can modify the nature and structure of retailing systems to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthful foods is identified. While continuing to (re)align research with community priorities, international collaboration may foster enhanced opportunities to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice and contribute to the amelioration of diet quality and health at the population level.
A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three
Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in... more A Traditional Food Program was developed at East Three Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based... more This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based initiatives to reduce food insecurity and build sustainable food systems in the North. Through an examination of the current state of food systems infrastructure, transportation, harvest, and production in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, we argue in favour of a multi-sector approach that supports diversified food systems, including traditional/country food production and distribution, in a way that values and prioritizes community-led initiatives and Indigenous peoples' self-determination and self-governance. The challenge of developing sustainable, northern food systems requires made-in-the-North solutions that are attuned to cultural, geographic, environmental, and political contexts. Recent policy developments suggest some progress in this direction, however much more work is needed. Ultimately, sustainable northern food systems must be defined by and for Northerners at community, local, and regional levels, with particular attention paid to treaty rights and the right to self-determination of First Nations and other Indigenous communities. RÉSUMÉ. Cet article se penche sur la manière dont les politiques et les cadres de référence fédéraux du Canada peuvent mieux soutenir les initiatives communautaires afin d'atténuer l'insécurité alimentaire et d'édifier des systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord. En nous appuyant sur l'examen de l'état actuel de l'infrastructure des systèmes alimentaires, du transport, des récoltes et de la production du Yukon, des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, du Nunavut, du Nunavik et du Nunatsiavut, nous plaidons en faveur d'une approche multisectorielle favorisant des systèmes alimentaires diversifiés, y compris la production et la distribution d'aliments traditionnels ou du terroir, valorisant et priorisant les initiatives communautaires de même que l'autodétermination et l'autonomie gouvernementale des peuples autochtones. Le défi consistant à concevoir des systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord nécessite des solutions provenant du Nord, solutions qui tiennent compte des contextes culturel, géographique, environnemental et politique. De récents développements en matière de politiques suggèrent un certain progrès, mais il reste toutefois fort à faire dans ce sens. Au bout du compte, les systèmes alimentaires durables dans le Nord doivent être définis par et pour les gens du Nord à l'échelle communautaire, locale et régionale, en accordant une attention particulière aux droits issus des traités ainsi qu'au droit à l'autodétermination des Premières Nations et d'autres collectivités autochtones. Mots clés : système alimentaire; politique alimentaire; Nord; autochtone; Arctique; durable; sécurité alimentaire; souveraineté alimentaire Traduit pour la revue Arctic par Nicole Giguère.
Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue ... more Food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples of northern Canada is a significant public health issue that is exacerbated by changing social and environmental conditions. While a patchwork of programs, strategies and polices exist, the extent to which they address all "pillars" of food security (food availability, access, quality, and utilization) remains under-assessed. We respond to this gap by providing a framework for synthesizing and assessing information about food security initiatives, using a case study of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), the westernmost Inuit region of Canada. Our objectives are: (1) to identify existing initiatives in the ISR; (2) to assess the breadth and diversity of these initiatives in addressing the four key food security "pillars"; and (3) to present an analytical framework that will facilitate ongoing data updating and sharing in the ISR and elsewhere. Through a scoping review and direct consultation with 12 key informants, we identified 30 initiatives that support food security in the ISR. These are funded and implemented at a range of national, territorial, regional, and local levels, and include both governmental and non-governmental programs, strategic frameworks, and research and monitoring initiatives. Seven key themes emerged from the cross-scale analysis of these initiatives, including: orientation with respect to food security pillars, scope and scale, demographic targeting, funding, monitoring and evaluation, and implications for food security
Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically im... more Traditional foods that First Nations peoples harvest or gather from the land remain critically important for achieving and sustaining food security for many communities. In Canada's North, land claim agreements include provisions for First Nations to participate in the governance of their traditional territories, including the co-management of important traditional (wild-harvested) food species. Because such agreements only specify the broad contours of co-management governance, their actual functioning evolves out of a complex interplay among the co-managing organizations over the course of time. This paper aims to deepen our understanding of how First Nations communities can enhance food security as participants in co-management. Our study connects research on food security with research on co-management and is the first to analyze how First Nations can improve their food security by influencing decision-making that affects traditional foods through co-management arrangements. Following a succinct review of the Indigenous food security and co-management literatures, we analyze the experiences of Kluane First Nation in enhancing community food security through the co-management of its traditional territory with Yukon Government and Parks Canada, interpreting the data in light of the theories and evidences offered by research on co-management. The analysis of data collected from semi-structured interviews and from First Nations and government resources shows that, while the co-management system is imperfect, it does offer a mechanism through which First Nations can exert influence on decisions that affect their food security. The three key themes emerging from the excerpts confirm the importance of co-management as an evolutionary and long-term process, in which trust-and relationship-building are ongoing activities that are fundamental to beneficial collaboration involving the sharing of information and power. The analysis also highlights the role of context, or situational factors, in facilitating or hindering collaboration. RÉSUMÉ. Pour de nombreuses collectivités, les aliments traditionnels que les peuples des Premières Nations récoltent ou recueillent sur la terre continuent de revêtir une importance primordiale pour atteindre et maintenir la sécurité alimentaire. Dans le Nord canadien, les ententes de revendications territoriales comprennent des dispositions selon lesquelles les Premières Nations peuvent jouer un rôle dans la gouvernance de leurs territoires traditionnels, ce qui comprend la cogestion des espèces alimentaires (sauvages et cueillies) traditionnelles importantes. Puisque ces ententes ne font mention que des grandes lignes de la gouvernance en cogestion, leur fonctionnement est le résultat, en réalité, d'une interaction complexe entre les organismes de cogestion au fil du temps. Cet article cherche à mieux comprendre comment les collectivités des Premières Nations peuvent améliorer leur sécurité alimentaire à titre de participants à la cogestion. Notre étude fait le lien entre les recherches sur la sécurité alimentaire et les recherches sur la cogestion. Il s'agit de la première étude qui analyse la manière dont les Premières Nations peuvent améliorer leur sécurité alimentaire en influençant les décisions qui ont des incidences sur les aliments traditionnels, et ce, par le biais d'accords de cogestion. Après un examen succinct de la documentation qui existe au sujet de la sécurité alimentaire et de la cogestion, nous analysons l'expérience de la Première Nation de Kluane en matière d'amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire de la collectivité grâce à la cogestion de son territoire traditionnel avec le gouvernement du Yukon et Parcs Canada, puis nous interprétons les données à la lumière de théories et d'éléments de preuve découlant de travaux de recherche sur la cogestion. L'analyse des données recueillies à partir d'entrevues semi-structurées auprès de Premières Nations et de gouvernements montre que bien que le système de la cogestion soit imparfait, il offre un mécanisme permettant aux Premières Nations d'exercer une influence sur les décisions touchant leur sécurité alimentaire. Les principaux thèmes qui émergent de ces influences confirment l'importance de la cogestion à titre de processus évolutionnaire à long terme, dans le cadre duquel l'édification de la confiance et la conclusion de relations constituent des aspects fondamentaux en vue d'une
This article highlights a collaborative, pan-territorial,
federally funded1 research project deve... more This article highlights a collaborative, pan-territorial, federally funded1 research project developed through an iterative process of open communication and relationship-building, involving research partners from multiple academic institutions, six NWT communities across four land claim regions, and regional and territorial organizations/governments.2 Together, we aim to identify, develop, and implement community-defined and -driven initiatives with the goal of enhancing local capacity to plan for and address food security issues in the face of climate change and other stressors. Our approach, centred on the core principles of fostering community leadership, and community involvement and engagement, also highlights an innovative way forward for other types of health-related research in the North.
Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrie... more Background: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is the top dietary source of iron and several micronutrients necessary for red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in the contemporary diet of Inuit adults across Canada. Many caribou populations across the circumpolar north, however, have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades. Restricted access to caribou may negatively impact the nutrition and health of Inuit communities. Methods: We used data from the Inuit Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 2550 Inuit adults in thirty-six communities across northern Canada (conducted in 2007-2008) to examine the relationship between caribou consumption, hemoglobin (Hb), and blood biomarkers of nutrient intake and contaminant exposure. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the potential public health impact of a theoretical restriction in caribou consumption, by estimating the response of Hb concentrations (and the attendant change in anemia prevalence), to theoretical changes in caribou consumption (with and without substitution of caribou with other country food meat). Results: Mean (95% CI) daily caribou meat consumption differed by an order of magnitude 4.3 (3.9-4.7), 51.1 (48.5-53. 8), and 236.7 (224.7-248.7) grams/day between tertiles of caribou consumption. Mean (95% CI) hemoglobin levels increased from 129.1 (128.1-130.2) g/L to 132.5 (131.3-133.7) g/L between the highest and lowest tertiles of caribou consumption. In multivariable regression analyses, average daily caribou meat consumption was positively associated (P< 0.001) with hemoglobin levels. This relationship translated into approximately 4 g/L hemoglobin increase in participants in the third tertile of caribou consumption. The overall prevalence of anemia observed in the study population was 26.5% (24.5-28.3%) and a modelled restriction in caribou consumption (i.e. caribou = 0) increased the overall prevalence of anemia by approximately 6%. The maximum negative effect of caribou restrictions was related to a complete restriction on caribou consumption, coupled with the substitution of caribou with other country food meat (35.4% prevalence). Conclusions: Given the importance of caribou to Inuit culture, health and wellbeing, and the high price of healthful market foods in remote northern communities, strategies to promote the sustainable harvest of country foods are urgently required to ensure the health and nutrition security of the Inuit, in the context of rapidly changing Arctic environments and ecosystems.
Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia... more Indigenous Peoples living in rural and remote regions of Canada, the United States, and Australia experience the highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14- month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peo... more Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been fundamental to the diet and culture of Arctic Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. Although caribou populations observe natural cycles of abundance and scarcity, several caribou herds across the Circumpolar North have experienced dramatic declines in recent decades due to a range of interrelated factors. Broadly, the objectives of this study are to examine food and nutrition security in relation to wildlife population and management status across Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland, consisting of four regions across the Canadian Arctic). Specifically, we: (1) characterize the contribution of caribou to Inuit nutrition across northern Canada and (2) evaluate the population and management status of caribou herds/populations harvested by Inuit. Dietary data were derived from the 2007-2008 Inuit Health Survey, which included dietary information for Inuit adults (n = 2097) residing in thirty-six communities, spanning three regions (the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, and Nunatsiavut) of the Canadian North. Published information regarding the range, abundance, status, and management status of caribou herds/ populations was collected through document analysis and was validated through consultation with northern wildlife experts (territorial governments, co-management, and/or Inuit organizations). While caribou contributed modestly to total diet energy (3-11% of intake) across the regions, it was the primary source of iron (14-37%), zinc (18-41%), copper (12-39%), riboflavin (15-39%), and vitamin B12 (27-52%), as well as a top source of protein (13-35%). Restrictions on Inuit subsistence harvest (harvest quotas or bans) are currently enacted on at least six northern caribou herds/populations with potential consequences for country food access for over twenty-five Inuit communities across Canada. A holistic multi-sectorial approach is needed to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, while supporting Inuit food and nutrition security in the interim.
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Papers by Sonia Wesche
Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
federally funded1 research project developed
through an iterative process of open communication
and relationship-building, involving research partners
from multiple academic institutions, six NWT
communities across four land claim regions, and regional
and territorial organizations/governments.2
Together, we aim to identify, develop, and implement
community-defined and -driven initiatives with the
goal of enhancing local capacity to plan for and address
food security issues in the face of climate change
and other stressors. Our approach, centred on the
core principles of fostering community leadership,
and community involvement and engagement, also
highlights an innovative way forward for other types
of health-related research in the North.
highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable
foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food
insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the
evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating
the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory
food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14-
month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a
list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average
cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times
the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study
also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier
nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in
remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and
self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.
Schools (Inuvik, Northwest Territories) in the western Canadian Arctic as part of a research collaboration with school staff and local Indigenous organizations focused on building evidenced-based strategies to promote food security in the region. The program promoted youth engagement with traditional foods in a school-based setting, including the development of traditional knowledge and skills (e.g., butchering, cooking, and preserving). Students engaged in the full cycle of TF procurement—harvest, preparation, consumption, and sharing. While students benefitted from increased access to traditional foods in the short term, the capacity-building aspect has the potential to improve long term food security. Additional program benefits included enhanced traditional language learning with Elders and an ongoing connection with Inuvik’s Long Term Care Centre. More broadly, this program highlights the importance of experiential education for Indigenous youth, policy support for such activities, and the potential role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing food security challenges.
federally funded1 research project developed
through an iterative process of open communication
and relationship-building, involving research partners
from multiple academic institutions, six NWT
communities across four land claim regions, and regional
and territorial organizations/governments.2
Together, we aim to identify, develop, and implement
community-defined and -driven initiatives with the
goal of enhancing local capacity to plan for and address
food security issues in the face of climate change
and other stressors. Our approach, centred on the
core principles of fostering community leadership,
and community involvement and engagement, also
highlights an innovative way forward for other types
of health-related research in the North.
highest food prices in each country. High food prices, low incomes, and limited access to nutritious perishable
foods foster increased reliance on poor quality non-perishable foods. In northern Canada, Inuit experience food
insecurity at over eight times the rate of the general Canadian population. This study aims to contribute to the
evidence-base for informing food policy in remote northern communities by documenting food prices and investigating
the economic dimensions of diet quality and nutrition in one region of Arctic Canada. A participatory
food costing study was undertaken seasonally in six communities of the western Canadian Arctic during a 14-
month period (late 2014 to early 2016). Community research assistants systematically collected food prices for a
list of 106 market foods. Food prices in the region were markedly higher than the national average. The average
cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (to feed a family of four for one week) was CAD $410, over two times
the equivalent cost of feeding a family of four in the capital city of Ottawa (CAD $192). Results from this study
also provide evidence of significant price differentials between energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, and costlier
nutrient-rich foods. Evidenced-based policy is needed to overcome the unique challenges of food retailing in
remote northern environments. Such policies must be pursued with due recognition of community priorities and
self-determination, and pursued in parallel to initiatives that enhance access to traditional (country) food.