Abstract
A complex set of social, economic, cultural and environmental circumstances affecting native Canadians in northern regions has resulted in the dietary replacement of indigenous foods with marketed products not always of equivalent nutritional value. This article examines the current food supply in three northern Manitoba Cree communities by looking at the availability and preservation of traditional foods, the price of marketed foods and perceptions of the food supply. Data were obtained by questionnaire from older adults (over 55 years) and younger women (16–45 years) in each community. The food supply comprised a mix of traditional and marketed foods, with limited use of traditional methods of food preservation. Marketed food prices were high in communities without all-weather road access. Respondents expressed a desire for more traditional food. Promotion of traditional foods could increase nutrient intake, decrease food costs and contribute to a revival of interest in Cree culture.
Résumé
Un ensemble complexe de conditions sociales, économiques, culturelles et environnementales influençant les autochtones des régions du Nord du Canada a abouti au remplacement des aliments autochtones traditionnels par des produits commerciaux qui n’ont pas toujours la même valeur nutritive. Cet article étudie l’approvisionnement alimentaire actuel dans trois communautés Cree du Manitoba en examinant la disponibilité et la préservation des aliments traditionnels, le prix des aliments commerciaux et comment ces aliments sont perçus par la population. Les données ont été recueillies à l’aide d’un questionnaire envoyé aux adultes plus âgés (plus de 55 ans) et aux femmes plus jeunes (16 à 45 ans) dans chaque communauté. Les aliments disponibles comprenaient un ensemble d’aliments traditionnels et commerciaux, avec un recours limité aux méthodes traditionnelles de préservation des aliments. Les prix des aliments commerciaux étaient élevés dans les communautés ne disposant pas d’une route d’accès ouverte en tout temps. Les répondants ont dit qu’ils souhaiteraient disposer d’une plus grande quantité d’aliments traditionnels. La promotion des aliments traditionnels pourrait permettre d’augmenter l’apport nutritif, de diminuer le coût de l’alimentation et de contribuer à un regain d’intérêt pour la culture Cree.
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Funds for this research were provided by the Medical Services Branch, Health Canada (Contract No. H3551-9-N125/01-XSF).
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Campbell, M.L., Diamant, R.M.F., Macpherson, B.D. et al. The Contemporary Food Supply of Three Northern Manitoba Cree Communities. Can J Public Health 88, 105–108 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403871
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403871