Evaluating food use by Canadian Aboriginal Peoples

Abstract

Canadian Aboriginal people encompass diverse cultural groups, whose daily food patterns vary in regard to the kinds and proportions of indigenous foods. Standard dietary methods of assessing food consumption sometimes require modification to be understandable and acceptable to Aboriginal communities. Depending upon the purpose of the research, food frequency methods, repeated 24-h recalls of individual food consumption, and (or) examination of food preferences and food health beliefs may be used. Consultation with Aboriginal community leaders in planning the research is essential, to ensure collaboration and support. Explaining the purpose and methods to community members requires assistance of a respected local Aboriginal person, fluent in the language. Extra time is required for becoming acquainted with local foods, for translation, and for training community members as interviewers. Examples of these principles are discussed from the author's experience in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and northern Alberta.