The Indigenous Food Circle: Reconciliation and Resurgence through Food in Northwestern Ontario

Abstract

Food policy councils provide a forum to address food systems issues and a platform for coordinated action among multisectoral stakeholders. While diverse in structure, most councils aim to develop democratic and inclusive processes to evaluate, influence, and establish integrated policy and programs for healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems. The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy (TBAFS) is one such example that promotes regional food self-reliance, healthy environments, and thriving economies through the a *

Effects of food policy actions on Indigenous Peoples’ nutrition-related outcomes: a systematic review

“…Dispossession of Indigenous Peoples from their homelands, introduction of industrial food production, processing and distribution has manifested in rapid Westernisation of food environments and dietary patterns. [4][5][6] The transition from traditional to industrialised diets has increased the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other diet-related chronic diseases globally, but especially for Indigenous populations. 4 For many Indigenous peoples, food security is undermined by environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and insufficient access to healthy food and other social and economic resources required for health, particularly in rural, remote and Arctic communities.…”

“…4 For many Indigenous peoples, food security is undermined by environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and insufficient access to healthy food and other social and economic resources required for health, particularly in rural, remote and Arctic communities. [5][6][7][8] As a result, nutrition-related health conditions disproportionately affect many Indigenous populations throughout the life course. 2 7-9 Despite these inequities, Indigenous Peoples worldwide maintain valuable ecological knowledge and continue to advocate for greater control over their food systems.…”

First Nations Peoples’ Participation in the Development of Population-Wide Food and Nutrition Policy in Australia: A Political Economy and Cultural Safety Analysis

“…Authors' affiliations 1 Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia. 2 School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia. 3 Committix Pty Ltd., Newcastle, NSW, Australia.…”

“…1 For many First Nations peoples food is more than a source of energy and nutrients; it is inculcated in cultural identity, land, family and history, as well as physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being. 2,3 European colonisation severely disrupted and marginalised the cultural practices and food systems of First Nations peoples around the world, manifesting in the social, economic and health inequities that persist today. [1][2][3] Nevertheless, First Nations peoples have survived and continue to hold cultural, environmental and food system knowledge, which is a valuable resource, not only for the health of First Nations peoples, but also for the sustainable development of the broader industrialised world.…”

“…2,3 European colonisation severely disrupted and marginalised the cultural practices and food systems of First Nations peoples around the world, manifesting in the social, economic and health inequities that persist today. [1][2][3] Nevertheless, First Nations peoples have survived and continue to hold cultural, environmental and food system knowledge, which is a valuable resource, not only for the health of First Nations peoples, but also for the sustainable development of the broader industrialised world. 4,5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional owners of Australia with a history of over 65 000 years, representing the world's longest surviving continuous culture.…”