The second series in the ILADA blog is on the theme of food sovereignty and law. How has disruption of traditional food systems impacted health in various Indigenous communities? How has food been transformed from a weapon of colonization into a vehicle for cultural resurgence?

Indigenous food systems consist of of a multitude of natural communities, including land, air, water, soil and culturally important plant, animal and fungi species that have sustained Indigenous peoples over thousands of years. These elements are typically conceived to function in healthy interdependent relationships to transfer energy through the present day agriculture based economy that has been developed and industrialized through the process of colonization.

We ask what policies related to food are needed to improve Indigenous health? How do the laws, customs, and practices of Indigenous communities regulate the harvesting, distribution, and preparation of traditional foods? How have forces like colonialism and environmental change impacted the ability of Indigenous communities exercise these laws, customs, and practices? What is the role of Indigenous knowledge in creating/ supporting food sovereignty?

Articles:

Introduction to Food Sovereignty – Interview by Sarah Nixon with Professor Gabrielle Doreen

Non-human equality and nêhiyaw food sovereignty – by Darcy Lindberg

Cover photo art by Christi Belcourt & Isaac Murdoch