Decolonized food sovereignty recognizes the importance of our first foods and their ability to enhance prevention in health outcomes. Where western medicine falls short is that they try to approach food as medicine in a clinical, western-nutrition based programming while ignoring the important cultural and local knowledge that has built up tribal food systems for thousands of years. Supporting policies and initiatives that provide access and infrastructure for first foods to be utilized in modern day is a better approach then telling natives to eat chicken and drink milk.
Happy Nutrition Month! In 2022, the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health was launched. In 2023, federal agencies were asked to define “food is medicine” as it applies to their mission. The IHS defines food is medicine as “a practice rooted in traditional ecological knowledge passed down for generations. Food is sacred, healing, connects all living beings, and should be provided through efforts supporting tribal food sovereignty in disease treatment and prevention.” Follow along as we highlight nutrition programs serving Native communities throughout the month. #NativeNutrition #NutritionMonth #NativeHealth #IndianCountry
