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First Peoples Food Wellness

Resource Hub

Biopiracy: Abolish Corporate Hijacking of Indigenous Medicinal Entities

In this paper, we present an overview of typical cases of global biopiracy, bioprospecting via introduction of cost-effective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprinting and international protocol with Private-Public-People Partnership concept as excellent forms of utilization of natural resources. We propose certain perspectives as scientists towards abolishing biopiracy and also to foster the fair utilization of natural resources; since the economy of most developing countries is agriculture based, the gross domestic product of the developing countries could be increased by enhanced bioprospecting via introduction of cost-effective DNA fingerprinting technologies and thus not being a pray of corporate hijacking.“Biopiracy is biological theft; illegal collection of indigenous plants by corporations who patent them for their own use” (Vandana Shiva).

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Gather

Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.

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Salmon People

The legendary relationship between the West Coast Indigenous Peoples and the salmon, once their staple food, is revealed in this film that contrasts ancient myth and modern reality.

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Indigenous Food Sovereignty Case Study

This case study examines issues related to indigenous food sovereignty– including the colonialization and transformation of traditional regional food systems, land rights and access, and pathways to decolonizing research and relationships.

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Scientists, First Nations team up in fresh attempt to revive struggling B.C. herring stocks

Tiny herring have big impacts on the food web as a source of nourishment for many species.

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What did the Tsleil-Waututh people eat 500 years ago?

A study diving into pre-colonial, Tsleil-Waututh history finds marine foods especially important in traditional diets.

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New study confirms Tsleil-Waututh Nation's rich pre-colonial diet

New research between the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and the University of British Columbia shows how the nation's diet was varied and rich in nutrition and came from abundant food sources in what is now southwestern B.C.

More About This Resource New study confirms Tsleil-Waututh Nation's rich pre-colonial diet

Study finds impacts of colonization destroyed nearly 90% of Burrard Inlet food ecosystems

Researchers say, to their knowledge, study is the first to quantify impacts of colonization on an ecosystem.

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Unsettling the record: modelling the devastating cumulative effects of selected environmental stressors and loss of human life caused by colonization in Burrard Inlet, Canada

In this paper we present a collaborative, transdisciplinary research project that explores the cumulative ecological and human impacts of colonization on the səl̓ilwət (Tsleil-Wat, Burrard Inlet) ecosystem in what is now known as British Columbia, Canada.

More About This Resource Unsettling the record: modelling the devastating cumulative effects of selected environmental stressors and loss of human life caused by colonization in Burrard Inlet, Canada

Understanding Common Language Toolkit

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.

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

This project offered a powerful pause to reflect on some commonly used food-related words within First Nations communities. This project scanned dozens of documents and consulted with many elders and Knwoledge holders to reveal four common words: traditional foods, food security, nutrition and medicine.

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Deeply Rooted: Decolonizing Your Plate

Colonization and assimilation took away customs and traditional foods from both Native and immigrant communities. Now, local farmers and chefs are bringing back traditional cuisines.

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