Grant: Project Grant

Indigenous Knowledge is a body of knowledge and beliefs transmitted orally, being both cumulative and dynamic. When there is more than one way of knowing, all ways should be used to contribute to a more complete understanding of complex issues -- such as, food security and climate change in subarctic Canada -- so that future decisions are better informed, and actions taken, more appropriate. Food security exists when people have access to safe, nutritionally adequate, and culturally appropriate food required for a healthy life. Taking into account that subarctic Canada is being disproportionately impacted by climate warming, there are challenges associated with climate change, such as, the changing of migratory patterns of waterfowl and the overpopulation of geese. However, the warming climate also offers opportunities for the growth of fruits and vegetables under ambient conditions in northern Canada. Our research will evaluate the scaled-up version of the Sharing-the-Harvest initiative in subarctic Canada. To evaluate the initiative, we will use both quantitative and qualitative methods. We are trying to identify the key elements of this harmonized land-based program of traditional pursuits (e.g. goose harvesting) and non-traditional activities (e.g. sustainable agriculture) that promotes health and wellness, in the context of food security and climate change. Our long-term goal is to develop a best practices framework to help inform existing and future land-based initiatives. The proposed study will provide Indigenous communities, health care professionals, and policy makers with new information on health and wellness, with respect to land-based initiatives, in the context of food security and climate change.