Gathering, Governing, and Gifting Food: Community Economy and Food Distribution in the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun

This research project explores and documents the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun’s customary food practices and community traditions surrounding the potlatch, described as an Indigenous way of ensuring there was always a system of distribution for wealth. Oral history interviews with First Nation elders and citizens will be conducted and contribute to recommendations for a community-oriented and culturally informed food distribution strategy as well as insights for food-related initiatives led by the Na-Cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation. The oral history will be documented, creatively presented back to partners and participants, analyzed to inform food distribution strategy recommendations, and finally, stored with the Na-Cho Nyak Dun Government as part of the First Nation’s traditional knowledge repository. This community-engaged project aims to tend to the unique challenges of food insecurity and food-related health outcomes in northern communities through collaborative research into creative and contextual solutions for cultivating Indigenous food sovereignty.

Faculty Supervisor:

Patricia Ballamingie

Student:

Partner:

Nacho Nyak Dun Development Corporation

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

Carleton University

Program: