Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of

the State of Knowledge

Council of Canadian Academies Conseil des académies canadiennes

Science Advice in the Public InterestLe savoir au service du public

Embargoed Media Briefing – Embargo lifts Thursday, March 27th @ 7am ET.

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Expert Panel Members

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David Natcher, Global Institute for Food Security, University of Saskatchewan

Murray Humphries, Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition & Environment, McGill

Harriet Kuhnlein, Expert Panel Chair, Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition & Environment, McGill

What is the state of knowledge of the factors influencing food security in the Canadian North and the health implications of food insecurity for Northern Aboriginal populations?

• The role of social, environmental, economic, and cultural factors

• The relationship between country/traditional food and food security

• Promising practices in Canada and internationally

• The contribution of traditional knowledge networks

• Knowledge gaps3

“The North”

The Geographic Scope

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“The North”

The Geographic Scope

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Food insecurity is a serious problem in northern and remote Aboriginal communities across Canada.

Food Security by the Numbers

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Food Security by the NumbersWomen and children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity…

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Nunavut DataCanadian Data

Food Insecurity Across Canada

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Understanding Food Security

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A holistic view of human health & wellness

A new tool to better understand & respond to the many challenges

A people-centred approach is central to finding sustainable solutions

One of many factors that enable or serve as a barrier to food security.

Logistics, Transportation & Resources

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The Nutrition Transition

Environmental ChangeImpact of environmental change on food security and health and wellness.

• Changing environmental conditions affect quantity, quality, habitat and sustainability of species;

• Environmental changes have transformed places and practices in which traditional knowledge about food, land and wildlife has been adapted and transmitted from generation to generation;

• While contaminants are still found in northern ecosystems, the benefits of a healthy and nutritious traditional/country food diet continue to outweigh the risks of food-based contaminant exposure.

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Thinking About Solutions

What the Findings Tell Us….• Food insecurity in northern Canada is a serious problem that goes beyond

availability and access to food.

• Food insecurity negatively impacts individual health & wellness and community prosperity.

• We have learned lessons from other nutrition transitions. Early interventions can result in positive outcomes (e.g. health, mental wellness, childhood development, educational).

• Everyone is responsible for ensuring food security and well-being. This includes individuals, communities, governments, and the private sector. Solutions require Northerners to continue to establish program ownership.

• It is crucial to involve communities most impacted by food insecurity in finding sustainable long-term solutions.

• Responsible & sustainable economic development strategies and support for local food systems are key. 14

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Timing is Key

1. Globally, nationally, and locally, dialogue is increasing on food security. A proactive approach will demonstrate Canadian leadership on a critical economic & human rights issue.

2. Canada’s priority on northern development creates pressure for governments to find sustainable solutions.

3. The window of opportunity is open.

Thank you

Council of Canadian Academies Conseil des académies canadiennes

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