Indigenous Foodways

This page is intended to support ongoing individual and collective learning.

This work and content are continually in-progress. ODPH acknowledges that the following resources are not exhaustive and are shared as a starting point for learning and unlearning. This information can be complemented by additional resources on trauma-informed anti-racist practice, decolonizing dietetics, and local knowledge that is unique to where you are situated.

We recognize that there are over 40 treaties and other agreements with Indigenous peoples that cover the territory now called Ontario. ODPH is grateful for the stewardship of the land and waters by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. This stewardship and care have allowed food systems that sustain settlers and Indigenous peoples to thrive. It is also important to name colonialism, racism and their ongoing role in the attempted erasure of Indigenous foodways. We recognize the roles of public health and dietetics in the history and ongoing oppression of Indigenous peoples. We have a responsibility to take collective action to learn/unlearn and ultimately change our practices.

Food is Our Medicine

Food is Our Medicine was designed to introduce health care professionals and leaders to new and different ways of understanding the complex relationships between Indigenous foodways, reconciliation, healing, and health care.

Click here to go to the course page.

Connecting for Climate Change Action

Connecting for Climate Change Action is an award-winning course from Western University that braids together Indigenous knowledge and Euro Western science to educate and motivate action on climate change.

In this free, open course, offered through Coursera, learners will build an understanding of the science behind climate change and develop a profound understanding of our responsibilities and relationship with land and one another.

Click here to go to the course page.

Additional Resources

1. Confronting Colonialism in Canadian Dietetics Curricula (Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, Dec 2023 issue, open access)
2. Decolonizing Dietetics Reading List (University of British Columbia)
3. Truth and Reconciliation (Dietitians of Canada)
4. Shared Learning Resources for F2CC Team & Partners (Farm to Cafeteria Canada)
5. Journal of Critical Dietetics
6. San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Online Training
7. Indigenous Education Modules (University of Toronto OISE)
8. Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta)

Resources found here may be used and reproduced without permission for non-commercial purposes, provided that the appropriate credit is given to ODPH, the material remains in context and is not altered in any way. To change or adapt materials, please complete the Permission to Reproduce or Adapt Materials Form.