Exploring Regional Differences in Traditional Food Harvesting in Three Northern Indigenous Communities in Canada

Abstract

Across what is now called Canada, Indigenous communities have been navigating a complex and challenging relationship with food security and food sovereignty. This relationship has been shaped by several factors, including geographical location, depletion of food sources, forced settlement, and the shift toward a wage-based economy, among others. This paper investigates how traditional foods contribute to meeting the energy requirements of three northern Indigenous communities: Clyde River, Moose Cree First Nation, and Old Crow. It begins by exploring the concepts of food security and food sovereignty and their relevance to Indigenous communities. This study highlights the cultural significance of traditional food systems and the lasting impacts of colonization on these relationships. By calculating the Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) for each community and estimating how many of the most hunted and consumed animals would be needed to meet a 17% contribution rate, the research illustrates the scale of harvesting required to sustain these communities. While reaching such targets may not be feasible for all, the findings emphasize the absolute necessity of supporting culturally appropriate, community-led, and ecologically sustainable traditional harvesting practices.