Cree Food Knowledge and Being Well.

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Studies
• Food Systems
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Indigenous food sovereignty is deeply connected to cultural identity, spirituality, and well-being.
• Colonialism has significantly disrupted traditional Indigenous food systems.
• Cree food knowledge is intrinsically linked to language, land ethics, and spiritual practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the vital role of Cree elders' knowledge in revitalizing Indigenous food sovereignty.
• To document traditional Cree food practices and their connection to identity and spirituality.
• To understand the impacts of colonialism on Cree food systems and identify pathways for reclamation.

Main Methods:

• An Indigenous research paradigm was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Cree elders in Manitoba in 2020.
• Qualitative data analysis focused on elders' narratives of traditional practices, colonial impacts, and spiritual connections.

Main Results:

• Cree food knowledge is extensive and interwoven with spiritual practices, language, and land ethics.
• Elders shared experiences of communal food practices and the negative effects of colonialism.
• Preservation of Cree language is crucial for sustaining traditional food practices and knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous food sovereignty extends beyond physical sustenance to encompass sacred relationships with the land.
• Cree elders' knowledge is essential for reclaiming and sustaining Indigenous food systems.
• Revitalizing Indigenous food systems is critical for the health and resilience of Cree communities.