Seeking Indigenous food sovereignty: origins of and responses to the food crisis in northern Manitoba, Canada

Abstract

A food crisis confronts many Indigenous communities in northwestern Canada, as reflected by wide-scale food insecurity and diet-related disease. South-generated responses to this crisis generally disregard principles of Indigenous food sovereignty and are disengaged from concerns related to environmental and food justice. This study seeks to explore the needs and priorities of a First Nation (Misipawistik Cree Nation) and an associated Métis community (Grand Rapids) regarding existing and potential responses to the food crisis in northern Manitoba. Substantial changes to the traditional food system were initiated during the establishment of the reserve system in the 1800s and now extend to damage associated with hydro development. Responses to these changes were categorised according to themes and include the revival of country food traditions, individual and community gardens, agriculture in the North, and better quality imported foods. Regardless of response, decision-making needs to be community-driven, culturally appropriate, to reflect local priorities in order to effectively address the northern food crisis, and, ultimately, needs to work towards Indigenous food sovereignty to be effective.

Keywords:

• colonialism
• environmental justice
• food justice
• food security
• Indigenous food sovereignty

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge the generous hospitality of and guidance by residents of Grand Rapids and MCN. In particular, Gerald McKay, Annie Ballantyne, and Heidi Cook played a critical role in shaping this work. Funding for this research was provided by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) graduate scholarship to KRR and by a SSHRC Communities-Universities Research Alliances (CURA) grant to SMM.