First Nations look to traditional foods to improve health outcomes

By Maya Ekman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWOnewswatch.com THUNDER BAY – A First Nations health agency is teaching traditional food skills in order to combat the negative impact of colonial food systems. Market-based food systems in place now don’t support the health and well-being of First Nation communities, explained Lloyd Douglas, a public health physician with Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA). In fact, Douglas said that half of the items in the national nutritious food basket can’t even be found on-reserve, and the ones that are have a significantly higher cost. Indigenous peoples “have been here for thousands and thousands of years and have relied on their food systems, but now we’re seeing poorer health outcomes, and that’s via design,” he said. “First Nations’ food sovereignty is all… This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription – Corporate, Print Subscription Only, Canada Print and Online, and USA Print and Online members only. Register Already a member? Log in here XShare Add Your Voice Is there more to this story? We'd like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Contribute your voice on our contribute page.