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Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge

Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge. Embargoed Media Briefing – Embargo lifts Thursday, March 27 th @ 7am ET. Science Advice in the Public Interest Le savoir au service du public. Council of Canadian Academies

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Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge

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  1. Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge Embargoed Media Briefing – Embargo lifts Thursday, March 27th @ 7am ET. Science Advice in the Public Interest Le savoir au service du public Council of Canadian Academies Conseil des académies canadiennes

  2. Expert Panel Members Murray Humphries, Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition & Environment, McGill David Natcher, Global Institute for Food Security, University of Saskatchewan Harriet Kuhnlein, Expert Panel Chair, Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition & Environment, McGill

  3. What is the state of knowledge of the factors influencing food security in the Canadian North and the health implications of food insecurity for Northern Aboriginal populations? • The role of social, environmental, economic, and cultural factors • The relationship between country/traditional food and food security • Promising practices in Canada and internationally • The contribution of traditional knowledge networks • Knowledge gaps

  4. The Geographic Scope “The North”

  5. The Geographic Scope “The North”

  6. Food Security by the Numbers Food insecurity is a serious problem in northern and remote Aboriginal communities across Canada.

  7. Food Security by the Numbers Women and children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity… Canadian Data Nunavut Data

  8. Food Insecurity Across Canada

  9. Understanding Food Security A holistic view of human health & wellness A new tool to better understand & respond to the many challenges A people-centred approach is central to finding sustainable solutions

  10. Logistics, Transportation & Resources One of many factors that enable or serve as a barrier to food security.

  11. The Nutrition Transition

  12. Environmental Change • Impact of environmental change on food security and health and wellness. • Changing environmental conditions affect quantity, quality, habitat and sustainability of species; • Environmental changes have transformed places and practices in which traditional knowledge about food, land and wildlife has been adapted and transmitted from generation to generation; • While contaminants are still found in northern ecosystems, the benefits of a healthy and nutritious traditional/country food diet continue to outweigh the risks of food-based contaminant exposure.

  13. Thinking About Solutions

  14. What the Findings Tell Us…. • Food insecurity in northern Canada is a serious problem that goes beyond availability and access to food. • Food insecurity negatively impacts individual health & wellness and community prosperity. • We have learned lessons from other nutrition transitions. Early interventions can result in positive outcomes (e.g. health, mental wellness, childhood development, educational). • Everyone is responsible for ensuring food security and well-being. This includes individuals, communities, governments, and the private sector. Solutions require Northerners to continue to establish program ownership. • It is crucial to involve communities most impacted by food insecurity in finding sustainable long-term solutions. • Responsible & sustainable economic development strategies and support for local food systems are key.

  15. Timing is Key Globally, nationally, and locally, dialogue is increasing on food security. A proactiveapproach will demonstrate Canadian leadership on a critical economic & human rights issue. Canada’s priority on northern development creates pressure for governments to find sustainable solutions. The window of opportunity is open.

  16. Thank you The full report is available for download from the Council’s website, www.scienceadvice.ca For more info, contact Cathleen Meechan, Director, Communications Cathleen.meechan@scienceadvice.ca 613-302-6174 (cell) You can also contact the Science Media Centre of Canada at www.sciencemediacentre.ca or call our media officers: Tyler Irving – 613-301-1187 Vincent Allaire – 514-887-8279 Council of Canadian Academies Conseil des académies canadiennes www.scienceadvice.ca www.sciencepourlepublic.ca @scienceadvice

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