Grant: Doctoral Research Award - PA: Aboriginal Research Methodologies

First Nations children have a high prevalence of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. School nutrition policies have the potential to improve the diet and health of First Nations children by guiding food and drink choices and promoting nutrition education within schools. Research concerning the unique enablers and barriers of nutrition policy implementation in First Nations schools is needed to move policy action forward. A First Nation school in Alberta implemented a school nutrition policy as a strategy to improve nutrition for children. This mixed-methods study aims to understand the 1) perceptions of students and parents of the policy, 2) school, student, and family factors acting as enablers and barriers to its implementation, and 3) adherence to the policy. Findings from surveys and interviews with parents and students and participant observation of the school nutrition environment will be integrated to increase the depth of understanding, and the reliability and credibility of the conclusions of the evaluation. The outcome of this research will be a strengthening of the school nutrition policy so that it is reflective of the health perceptions and beliefs of the community; has limited barriers to implementation; and ensures that the school environment provides children with access to healthy food choices. Results will be shared with the Alberta Project Promoting active Living and healthy Eating (APPLE) Schools, which will help to define effective ways to create, support and sustain healthy First Nations, Métis, and Inuit APPLE Schools in Alberta. With the knowledge gained from this research, it may be possible to promote meaningful changes to the food environment within schools across Canada with a high Aboriginal population, potentially leading to a reduced prevalence of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases in First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children in Canada.