Telling Our Stories of Cultural Traditional Foods

Traditional Foods Access among Urban Aboriginal Peoples

Contessa Brown, Heiltsuk NationBethany Elliott, Provincial Health Services Authority

Herb Varley, Nuu-chah-nulth Nation

ContextAboriginal Health • Higher rates of chronic disease (e.g. diabetes, heart

disease)

Community-Identified Priorities• Healthy eating and access to traditional foods to prevent

chronic disease

Current Knowledge• Traditional foods improve diet and therefore, overall

health

• Limited information on access to traditional foods in the city

Who was Involved• Aboriginal Health Program (PHSA)

• Food Security Program (PHSA)

• Traditional Foods Advisory Committee

• Steering Committee: Chronic Disease Prevention in Aboriginal Communities

• Research Consultant

Storytelling: Contessa’s Story

Storytelling: Herb’s Story

Factors Affecting Traditional Foods Access

Physical Environment

Family & Community

Relationships

Effects of Colonization & Assimilation

Aboriginal Empowerment

Government Policies

Restrictions & Licensing Fees

Overfishing

Deforestation

Climate Change

Contamination

Stewardship

Skill Development

Value & Seek Traditional Knowledge

Connect Elders & Youth

(Re)Build Relationships

Trading, Feasting & Sharing

Urbanization, Mixed Culture

Nutrition Transition

Healing

Value Aboriginal Perspectives

Political Representation

AccountableLeadership

Access to Land & Sea

Access to Traditional

Foods

Improved Holistic Health

Traditional Knowledge

• Traditional foods are related to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health

• Historic and present day factors impact access to traditional foods

• There are unique challenges to accessing traditional foods in the city

• Addressing these issues requires involvement and action from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups

Lessons Learned

Food for Thought

Which do you think is healthier?

Vs.

Canning Fresh Salmon Fast Food Fish Burger

Food for Thought

Which do you think promotes healthy relationships?

Vs.

Families gathering seaweed Convenience store shopping