Think about how many times you have heard about different kinds of indigenous issues. More than two? We hear about worrisome issues repeatedly, yet the question remains - "How are these challenges faced by Canada’s indigneous peoples being resolved?". Food insecurity is one of the many challenges Indigenous communities in Canada face. Increasing global temperatures are threatening to make their livelihoods more difficult. The 2016 census data shows that Indigenous people make up 4.9% of the total national population. Studies show that indigenous communities contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Still, they are the ones most affected.
‘Food insecure’ is a term that describes families who do not make enough income to cover their food costs. This also means that they are not able to buy food according to their dietary needs or preferences. Indigneous households are more likely to be classified as food insecure when compared to non-indignous households. A 10-year study concluded in 2018 by the "8th Assembly of First Nations (AFN)". It shows that 48% of Indigeneous households in Canada are food insecure.
Climate change is a leading cause of food insecurity in Indigenous communities. Climate change and food insecurity lead to other challenges within the communities.
What are some of the current challenges faced?
Unpredictable weather affects the ability of hunters to navigate their hunting routes. Transport routes such as winter roads built from snow and ice become unreliable
Communities in remote areas rely on air transport to deliver food which drives up the price of food
Inaccessibility of healthier foods result in increasing rates of diabetes and diabetes. Residents who are diabetic and not always able to follow their prescribed diets.
Traditional foods sometimes show as contaminated when tested. High levels of lead were found in meat sources such as bison, moose and birds. These results were concluded by the AFN in British Columbia and Manitoba regions.
As measured by the AFN, some households avoid tap water for concerns about the taste and colour of the water. 79% of households measured received water from the community's public systems.
What actions have the government taken ?
As reported by the Human Rights Watch on October 21, 2020:
Canada has not designed realistic carbon emission reduction targets. This should be in line with the Paris Agreement. This agreement signed in 2016 aims to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees celsius.
The Federal government is aware of indigneous food security issues and Climate Change. Yet, have not clarified how it will cut down emissions or food insecurity.
The Yukon territorial government has committed to monitoring and tracking food insecurity. They have acknowledged the need to address the impacts on its indigenous people. They also plan on completing risk assessments and emergency plans for all its communities by 2022.
British Columbia has collaborated with First Nations to develop a climate adaptation strategy.
How can we move forward?
Indiginous involvement is important to decision making that may affect them at any level of government. According to the AFN, First nations communities have reported that they have limited ability to contribute to the decisions that affect them. This includes areas such as food and natural resource management.
Canada can focus on a large scale transition towards renewable energy in order to mitigate climate change effects
Human Rights Watch recommends the yukon government put in place a program to monitor first nations food insecurity linked to climate change as soon as possible
The Federal Government can contribute to development projects such as replacing lead pipes in households in order to reduce water contamination.
Funding to create better access to healthier foods options by building gardens or greenhouses.
Food security and climate change have been threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities in Canada for decades. The government of Canada has supported them in some ways. We are now entering a new decade and there is still a lot more that needs to be done in terms of indigenous environmental justice and Canada fulfilling its commitments towards Indigenous communities.
Cover photo source: Arctic Elder Society (CBC)
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