Food security deepens a Reliance on Ancestral Foods in Coastal Communities

In response to COVID-19, Heiltsuk and other coastal First Nations communities have turned to traditional food harvesting and local gardening programs to address heightened food security concerns caused by disrupted supply chains and restricted travel. Initiatives like the Granny Gardens project in Bella Bella and new community gardens in Haida Gwaii have empowered households to grow their own food, fostering resilience and ancestral knowledge. Alongside gardening, members are reviving traditional practices such as harvesting and preparing seafood, which strengthen cultural connections and provide sustenance during the pandemic. These efforts have also bolstered community well-being, fostering connection and shared purpose despite physical isolation.