Understanding Common Language Toolkit

When we encounter a word, whether it is spoken or written, we associate a meaning behind that word that highlights our cultural and societal perspectives. The context of our life sets the tone for how we will interpret and understand a word. This toolkit is designed to support us to feel and understand these words in a new way and a way that is grounded more in community, lived experiences. The goal of this resource is for all of us to gain insight into how these words could inform conversations with Indigenous communities. The creation of this toolkit brought together teachings and reflections from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members. This engagement allows us to explore the deeper meaning, create new understandings, and give us a more contextual view of these words from Indigenous perspectives. The four key terms of this toolkit are traditional foods, food security, nutrition and medicine.