Vancouver Indigenous Food Security

Urban Aboriginal Food Security 

Food insecurity, the inability to access sufficient, safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, is increasing at disproportionate rates in many Aboriginal communities in Canada. However, the impacts of the lack of access to land for food and cultural practices among urban Aboriginal populations have been poorly documented. We are working to create a project team to mobilize and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into urban Aboriginal food security efforts in the City of Vancouver. We will create an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to ensure culturally appropriate methods are adhered to while building tools for health interventions.

We hope to provide resources that will assist Aboriginal people and those interested in Aboriginal health to reduce food insecurity by compiling current initiatives and programs, and by developing an interactive community map highlighting locations where access to these resources can be procured. Our goal is to develop culturally appropriate tools to advance Aboriginal food security research, education, and health interventions in urban settings.

PROJECTS:

Using Land-based Stewardship to Improve Health and Wellness Among Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Populations

Food insecurity, the inability to access sufficient, safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, is increasing at disproportionate rates in many Aboriginal communities in Canada. However, the impacts of the lack of access to land for food and cultural practices among urban Aboriginal populations have been poorly documented. We wish to create a project team to mobilize and incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into urban Aboriginal food security efforts in Vancouver. We propose to 1) develop a research team; 2) host team meetings; 3) create an Aboriginal Advisory Committee; 4) synthesize literature, current initiatives and programs; and, 5) develop and submit a research grant proposal. Our goal is to develop culturally appropriate tools that will advance Aboriginal food security research and education in urban settings while enhancing food production and availability.

Research Team

• Dr. Eduardo Jovel – Associate Professor, Director of Indigenous Research Partnerships, UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems; Principal Investigator, Kloshe Tillicum (NEAHR BCWA: Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research in BC and the Western Arctic)
• Dr. Richard Vedan – Associate Professor, UBC School of Social Work; Principal Investigator, Kloshe Tillicum (NEAHR BCWA)
• Mark Bomford – Director, Sustainable Food Project, Yale University
• Dr. Roderick McCormick – Associate Professor, UBC Faculty of Education; Principal Investigator, Kloshe Tillicum (NEAHR BCWA)
• Dr. Jody Butler Walker – Director, Arctic Health Research Network; Principal Investigator, Kloshe Tillicum (NEAHR BCWA)
• Dr. Tanya Wahbe – Research Associate, Faculty of Land and Food Systems

The maps created on this site show locations for community organizations, government organizations, research and academia, non-profit organizations, community gardens, and farmers markets providing resources that can contribute to improving urban Aboriginal food security in the City of Vancouver.

If you wish to view quick information, you must click on the specific marker within the map. Some locations have multiple markers that can be seen once you zoom in. Please note that some programs do not have a physical location as they service large areas, however, they are listed in the tables. If you would like to add an organization to our map or have any feedback, please contact us!