How colonization dismantled Coast Salish food systems

This article explores the profound impact of colonial settlement on Indigenous food systems, highlighting the restrictions imposed on harvesting and access to traditional resources. Through interviews with Cowichan Elders, it details how environmental degradation, colonial laws, and economic pressures disrupted traditional food practices, making once-abundant foods scarce and expensive. The loss of cultural teachings surrounding food harvesting and preparation is emphasized, with personal stories illustrating how knowledge transmission has been hindered by systemic barriers. Additionally, the article discusses the ways in which colonial food expectations and economic shifts forced Indigenous communities to adapt to less nutritious and more costly alternatives. Ultimately, it argues that restoring traditional foods requires environmental healing, as Indigenous health, culture, and sustenance are deeply intertwined with the land.