Abstract
This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based initiatives to reduce food insecurity and build sustainable food systems in the North. Through an examination of the current state of food systems infrastructure, transportation, harvest, and production in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, we argue in favour of a multi-sector approach that supports diversified food systems, including traditional/country food production and distribution, in a way that values and prioritizes community-led initiatives and Indigenous peoples’ self-determination and self-governance. The challenge of developing sustainable, northern food systems requires made-in-the-North solutions that are attuned to cultural, geographic, environmental, and political contexts. Recent policy developments suggest some progress in this direction, however much more work is needed. Ultimately, sustainable northern food systems must be defined by and for Northerners at community, local, and regional levels, with particular attention paid to treaty rights and the right to self-determination of First Nations and other Indigenous communities.
Highlights
Scholars have documented that high levels of food insecurity in northern Canadian communities result from a complex set of environmental, socioeconomic, logistical, and political challenges (Power, 2008; Egeland, 2010; Socha et al, 2012; CCA, 2014)
We argue that sustainable northern food systems depend on healthy environments and healthy people, and that these relationships are reciprocal
Building on our collective research, we provide a series of policy and program recommendations that address barriers and offer more effective approaches to supporting sustainable and resilient food systems in northern Canada
Summary
Scholars have documented that high levels of food insecurity in northern Canadian communities result from a complex set of environmental, socioeconomic, logistical, and political challenges (Power, 2008; Egeland, 2010; Socha et al, 2012; CCA, 2014). Our specific focus in this paper is on how federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based initiatives to reduce food insecurity and build sustainable food systems in the North. Community-based initiatives are those that aim to increase access to more sustainably harvested, produced, processed, or distributed foods created by and for northern communities, usually led by Indigenous governments, local governments, small businesses, or regional nonprofit organizations based in the North. Such initiatives may take place at the local scale (e.g., within one specific community) or at a more regional scale (e.g., at the scale of a land-claim area or portion thereof, involving multiple communities with shared characteristics).
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