Lesson 2: Revitalizing Indigenous Food Systems
- Introduction: Indigenous food systems were once abundant and diverse, but colonization and forced relocation disrupted these systems. Revitalizing these food systems is essential for promoting health and sustainability in Indigenous communities.
- Deep Dive:
- History of Indigenous Food Systems: Discuss the history of Indigenous food systems before and after colonization. Explore how these systems were disrupted and the impact on health and culture.
- Food Sovereignty: Define food sovereignty and discuss its importance for Indigenous communities. Explore how food sovereignty movements are working to reclaim and revitalize traditional food systems.
- Strategies for Revitalization: Review successful strategies for revitalizing Indigenous food systems, including community gardens, seed saving, and traditional food preparation workshops.
- Activity: Create a plan to integrate traditional foods into daily meals for diabetes management. Consider sourcing, preparation, and nutritional balance.
- Discussion Questions:
- How did colonization disrupt traditional Indigenous food systems, and what has been the impact on health?
- What is food sovereignty, and why is it important for Indigenous communities?
- How can revitalizing traditional food systems contribute to better health outcomes for people with diabetes?
- What challenges might communities face in revitalizing their food systems, and how can these be overcome?
- How can individuals and communities work together to reclaim and restore traditional food practices?