2 minute read
Traditional and Country Foods
from Parenting in the Present A resource for First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers
by NCCIH-CCNSA
First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples’ ways of life have changed over time, including what and when we eat, and how active we are in our daily lives. Many First Nations, Inuit and Metis families today spend a lot of time sitting throughout the day. They do not have easy access to places where they can hunt, gather medicines, pick berries and other edible leaves and grasses, or fish like they did in the past. They also may no longer have this traditional knowledge.
Food from the land and water
Traditional and country foods vary by season and community. They are rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Most are low in fat and sugar. Bison, muktuk, deer, caribou, moose, and seal are some of the healthiest foods to eat. Traditional and country foods include fish, wildlife, root vegetables, wildflowers, mosses, grasses, lichens and berry plants. These can include:
• Bison, muktuk, white-tailed deer (venison), elk, moose, caribou and muskox • Seal, whale, sculpin, clams and mussels • Bass, jackfish, lake sturgeon, pickerel, walleye, salmon,
Arctic cod, Arctic char, capelin and lake trout • Duck, goose, partridge, prairie chicken, muskrat, rabbit, Arctic hare and ptarmigan • Blackberries, blueberries, cloudberries, chokecherries, crab apples, cranberries, Saskatoon berries, gooseberries and crowberries • Beans, carrots, cabbage, green beans, onions and potatoes • Edible wild plants (i.e., dandelion greens, mountain sorrel, snow-bed willow, lamb’s quarter, violet and shepherd’s purse), hazelnuts, mint leaves, weekay root, wild rhubarb, wild rice and 100% pure maple syrup
panik means “daughter” in Inuktitut Learn about traditional foods
Picking berries is a great way for children to learn about where food comes from. It helps build children’s confidence, identity and cultural pride. Children develop their coordination skills and respect for the land as they pick berries and put them into a pail. They learn patience, since berry picking is a slow process. Sometimes, children pick more berries than adults. Some children eat more berries than they bring home. All children and families can benefit from doing this free and healthy activity together.
Listening to teachings about traditional foods and medicine harvesting is a great way for children to learn about the foods from the land and waters that are safe to eat. They also learn about the value of all plants and animals. Call or drop by your local friendship centre, community health centre, or family resource centre, and ask about traditional Elders or Knowledge Keepers who can share teachings on traditional foods and medicines.
Safe consumption
A traditional diet is low cost if fish and wildlife are available from fishing and hunting. It is important to know how to keep safe and healthy when eating foods from the land and water.
