Unique Get Together Society (UGTS) and Urban Indigenous Food Insecurity in British Columbia
Unique Get Together Society (UGTS) and Urban Indigenous Food Insecurity in British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Canada
2021
First Place
Unique Get Together Society (UGTS) and Urban Indigenous Food Insecurity in British Columbia
Research Team
Cathy Zhu
Emily Chau
Anika Cheng
Project Summary
The team conducted a systematic analysis of the disproportionate rates of food insecurity experienced by Indigenous communities in British Columbia. Two of their key insights were: 1) Food insecurity and more specifically, Indigenous food insecurity is a complex and systemic issue that has been prevalent for decades without sustainable interventions being implemented. and 2) Current dominant Western worldview of food as a commodity resists Indigenous worldviews as food is connected to the land, and for Indigenous Peoples, food impacts not only physical wellbeing, but also mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing, diet quality and connection to culture, community and land. Therefore actions towards addressing Indigenous food insecurity and food sovereignty must recognize and value the significant role food plays in healing and providing nourishment.
