An Indigenous food sovereignty initiative is positively associated with well-being and cultural connectedness in a survey of Syilx Okanagan adults in British Columbia, Canada

This study assessed the impact of the Syilx-led Sockeye Salmon Reintroduction to Skaha Lake Project, an Indigenous food sovereignty initiative, on health, well-being, and cultural connectedness among Syilx adults. Findings revealed that eating Okanagan Sockeye salmon was strongly associated with improved well-being and cultural connectedness, though no significant associations with physical health outcomes were observed. The research highlights the cultural and community-building benefits of Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, emphasizing the need for holistic measures of health that include cultural and emotional well-being. These results underscore the importance of supporting such initiatives to restore traditional food systems, enhance cultural identity, and address health inequities.