Understanding Our Food Systems: Building Indigenous food sovereignty in Northwestern Ontario.

settingThe impacts of colonization have resulted in disruptions to food systems, land, language, and the overall health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Food insecurity affects Indigenous People's health disproportionately due primarily to poverty and inequity, anti-Indigenous racism, and the ongoing effects of settler colonialism. Despite these challenges, Indigenous communities have used food as a tool for the resurgence of their cultures, identities, and self-determination.

interventionUnderstanding Our Food Systems (UOFS) is a participatory, community-engaged action project led by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, a team of researchers and community development professionals, and a circle of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers working to build a deeper understanding of food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and self-determination in Northwestern Ontario. The project takes leadership from and supports fourteen First Nations within the Thunder Bay District (Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and Treaty 9 areas) in their efforts to reclaim their traditional food systems. OUTCOMES: Since 2018, the UOFS project has helped to establish and implement food sovereignty visions, priorities, and action plans for each of the First Nations communities; provided ongoing funding, workshops, training, and general assistance; hosted regular gatherings to learn, share, and plan collaboratively; and developed resources to support Indigenous food sovereignty across the region. IMPLICATIONS: The UOFS project has contributed to enhancing Indigenous food sovereignty and self-determination across Northwestern Ontario. The project has also resulted in building a network of First Nations communities and reflective learning among the TBDHU and non-Indigenous participants about how to work in partnership and support First Nations to achieve their food sovereignty priorities.