FNHA Common Language Project Report 2023: Traditional Foods, Medicine, Nutrition and Food Security

Language is powerful; something deeply connected to our identity and influences our understanding of the world. The English language has limitations and stems from one worldview. Many of the words we use to engage and connect with food comes from this limited and dominant colonial language. Staff who work on health promotion, primary care, prevention and program planning are encouraged to take time to engage in a reflective pause to consider what informs their understandings around food and Nutrition. The offering to be mindful and intentional about language is essential, as much of our understandings and relationships with food are influenced by our upbringing, our educational systems, and our social and societal influences.