Laura is currently partnering with Q’wemtsin Health Society, on the unceded territory of the Secwepemc people, as the Community Wellness Dietitian and Food Sovereignty lead.

The food sovereignty movement is building around the world and while there is no universal definition, it can be described as the newest and most innovative approach to achieving the end goal of long term food security. Indigenous food sovereignty is a specific policy approach to addressing the underlying issues impacting Indigenous peoples and our ability to respond to our own needs for healthy, culturally adapted Indigenous foods. Community mobilisation and the maintenance of multi-millennial cultural harvesting strategies and practices provide a basis for forming and influencing "policy driven by practice".

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Food Sovereignty and Food Security are Key determinants of Health

Indigenous Peoples in Canada are twice as likely to experience food insecurity as the general population. Household food insecurity in First Nation reserves and communities varies geographically, with remote communities experiencing an even higher prevalence.  A growing body of evidence suggests that the inability to afford a healthy, nutritious diet has a measurable negative impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals of all ages.  Laura, in her role as QHS Dietitian, continues to  work in partnership with First Nations Health Authority, Secwepemc Health Caucus, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Interior Health and other stakeholders to advocate and bring attention to the various levels of government and stakeholders that food sovereignty and household food insecurity are key social determinants of health within our communities

In an ongoing effort to support indigenous food sovereignty and “decolonize the food system" Laura is working with her community partners.  For more information on decolonizing the food system.

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Click here for a report on decolonizing the food system.

INDIGENOUS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

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