Indigenous Foods Sovereignty Program

The newly developed Mshiikenh Mnis Wenjiing - Turtle Island Roots program is focused on reestablishing traditional foods systems that support the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Movement taking place here on Manitoulin Island and areas. The program is designed to promote and encourage the sacred traditions of securing food through four specific components: foraging wild edibles, freshwater fishing, and harvesting of wild game.

In collaboration with the Manitoulin Fresh Food Initiative, the program is steered by the Child Poverty Task Force Committee. The Indigenous Foods Sovereignty Program has been establishing a network of individuals who are interested in sharing traditional knowledge, and incorporating traditional foods into their diet. Partnering with the Child Nutrition and Traditional Program, networking initiatives have been carried out with outreach workshops related to foraging and traditional cooking methods. Traditional teachings, offerings and ceremony conducted by Elders and Knowledge Keepers are integral to events and provide sacred significance. 

The Indigenous Foods Sovereignty Program looks forward to creating connections with each community, and creating an awareness of the program to increase the capacity for knowledge sharing and future collaborations.

For information on Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s Indigenous Foods Sovereignty program, please contact the Indigenous Foods Coordinator at (705) 368-0083.