Telling Our Stories of Cultural Traditional Foods Traditional Foods Access among Urban Aboriginal Peoples Contessa Brown, Heiltsuk Nation Bethany Elliott, Provincial Health Services Authority Herb Varley, Nuu-chah-nulth Nation

Context Aboriginal 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 Accountable Leadership 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 SalmonFast Food Fish Burger

Food for Thought Which do you think promotes healthy relationships? Vs. Families gathering seaweedConvenience store shopping