An examination of food insecurity among Canadian Aboriginal people

Background Food insecurity is a significant problem affecting many Indigenous people in Canada. This paper examines the prevalence, causes, and effects of food insecurity among Aboriginal populations. Methods Using a review of peer-reviewed articles, government reports, policy evaluations, and data from Statistics Canada, it highlights how factors such as remoteness, mental illness, traditional food consumption patterns, and socioeconomic conditions contribute to food insecurity. The paper also discusses existing policies, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Nutrition North Canada (NNC), which are designed to address this issue. Additionally, it offers policy recommendations, including improving supply chain efficiency, monitoring subsidy programs, reevaluating eligibility issues associated with the NNC, providing support to improve access to existing government policies, and dismantling racist structures through initiatives such as Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028. Results One important link made in the study is how educational attainment and income levels among Indigenous people are a reflection of structural injustices that lead to greater vulnerability to food insecurity, as well as the effectiveness of government policies designed to mitigate food insecurity. Conclusions The study emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach that combines modern strategies with traditional Indigenous values to build resilience against food insecurity. Addressing these factors can enhance the impact of policies targeted at effectively reducing vulnerability and improving food security among Indigenous communities in Canada.