Dietary acculturation among the Dogrib Indians of the Canadian northwest territories

The Dogrib Indians of the Canadian Northwest Territories are undergoing change from a “traditional” to a “modem” life‐style. Such transitions are often associated with the appearance of previously unknown chronic diseases. This study was undertaken to identify patterns of dietary acculturation that may be associated with the appearance of hyperglycemia and diabetes in a population that currently has low prevalence of these conditions. Dietary data were collected from adults (> 27 yr old) using three instruments: a 24‐hr recall, a report of intake on a usual winter day, and a food‐frequency questionnaire. Dietary change apparently involves additions to the diet of non‐traditional foods rather than replacement of traditional foods by non‐traditional foods. This pattern is especially evident among younger Dogrib and those residing in the main village. With acculturation, the macronutrient composition changes from that of a hunting‐based diet (high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate) to one with relatively more carbohydrate and fat, and less protein. The food frequency questionnaire appeared to overestimate consumption of the nontraditional food components while accurately estimating the traditional portion of the diet.

Key words:

• Diet patterns
• food intake
• Canadian Indians
• Indigenous peoples