Gifts from our Relations: Original Indigenous Food

Through this resource, National Indigenous Diabetes Association (NIDA) honours 18 foods that are important to various Indigenous Peoples throughout Turtle Island. Though our diets have changed significantly, the benefits of eating original foods remain the same. They are highly nutritious, which keeps us strong and healthy, and the hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering of original food keeps us physically active and spiritually grounded. These are all parts of living a healthy life. Our personal health is something we have the power to change. It is the condition we keep our bodies in, and results directly from what we eat and how active we are. The purpose is to create an easy-to-read, visual resource with practical information that anyone can use for nutritional information on these foods and plants. Overall, it will foster discussions around original food consumption as a means of reducing the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, as well as providing information for those living with diabetes and looking to self-manage through diet. This information can also be useful for Registered Dietitians to provide to clients. The goal is to promote consumption of original foods for improved diabetes management and to strengthen cultural identity among First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.