Project 466961

Background: Indigenous Peoples in Canada are disproportionately burdened by food insecurity and nutrition-related health problems. Holistic approaches considering all areas of the food system are needed for long-term solutions. By using a food systems approach, which has rarely been applied in an Indigenous community context, the purpose of this study is to design a participatory process resulting in a collective vision of a food system grounded in the values of one Indigenous community to promote nutrition, food security, and well-being. Context: Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Program (KSDPP) is a community-academic research partnership aiming to prevent type 2 diabetes in Kahnawà:ke, a Mohawk community in Québec, Canada. KSDPP engages in intersectoral food security and food sovereignty initiatives in Kahnawà:ke as part of its diabetes prevention mission.Methods: This study will involve a three-phase participatory process with a diverse group of community stakeholders in Kahnawà:ke. A literature review on food system areas that impact community food security and a scan of food security resources in Kahnawà:ke will produce a portrait of Kahnawà:kes current food system. Analysis of questionnaire and individual interview responses will identify emerging themes related to community values and perspectives of key strengths, opportunities, and challenges to food security. In collaboration with community stakeholders, the food system portrait and community perspectives will be validated and integrated to produce a graphic representation of a values-based collective vision of Kahnawà:kes future food system. Conclusion: This research will build upon current efforts to close gaps in Indigenous health, food security, and nutrition using a food systems approach.