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Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Niska (Goose) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Fatima Ahmed

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada)

  • Eric N. Liberda

    (School of Occupation and Public Health, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Andrew Solomon

    (Fort Albany First Nation, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada)

  • Roger Davey

    (Fort Albany First Nation, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada)

  • Bernard Sutherland

    (Peetabeck Academy, Mundo Peetabeck Education Authority, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada)

  • Leonard J. S. Tsuji

    (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada)

Abstract

Historically, goose harvesting provided a source of culturally significant, safe, and nutritious food for the Omushkego Cree of subarctic Ontario, Canada. Disruptions stemming from colonization and climate change have led to a decrease in harvesting, resulting in higher rates of food insecurity. The aim of the Niska program was to reconnect Elders and youth to revitalize goose harvesting activities and associated Indigenous knowledge within the community. The program and evaluation were built using a two-eyed seeing ( Etuaptmumk ) and community-based participatory research approach. Salivary cortisol, a biomedical measure of stress, was collected before ( n = 13) and after ( n = 13) participation in the spring harvest. Likewise, cortisol samples were collected before ( n = 12) and after ( n = 12) the summer harvest. Photovoice and semi-directed interviews were employed after the spring ( n = 13) and summer ( n = 12) harvests to identify key elements of well-being from an Indigenous perspective. The changes observed in cortisol levels for the spring ( p = 0.782) and summer ( p = 0.395) harvests were not statistically significant. However, there was a noteworthy increase in the subjective well-being observed through the qualitative measures (semi-directed interviews and photovoice), highlighting the importance of using multiple perspectives when assessing well-being, especially in Indigenous peoples. Future programs should incorporate multiple perspectives when addressing complex environmental and health issues, such as food security and environmental conservation, especially in Indigenous homelands worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatima Ahmed & Eric N. Liberda & Andrew Solomon & Roger Davey & Bernard Sutherland & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2023. "Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Niska (Goose) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3686-:d:1073579
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lamia Akbar & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2020. "Health and Wellness Impacts of Traditional Physical Activity Experiences on Indigenous Youth: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Castleden, Heather & Garvin, Theresa & First Nation, Huu-ay-aht, 2008. "Modifying Photovoice for community-based participatory Indigenous research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(6), pages 1393-1405, March.
    3. Rebecca Hanemaayer & Kimberley Anderson & Jess Haines & Kitty RLynn Lickers & Adrianne Lickers Xavier & Kelly Gordon & Hannah Tait Neufeld, 2020. "Exploring the Perceptions of and Experiences with Traditional Foods among First Nations Female Youth: A Participatory Photovoice Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-16, March.
    4. Marie-Jeanne Royer & Thora Herrmann & Oliver Sonnentag & Daniel Fortier & Kenel Delusca & Rick Cuciurean, 2013. "Linking Cree hunters’ and scientific observations of changing inland ice and meteorological conditions in the subarctic eastern James Bay region, Canada," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 119(3), pages 719-732, August.
    5. Fatima Ahmed & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Leonard J. S. Tsuji, 2021. "The Impact of Land-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Self-Reported Health and Well-Being of Indigenous Adults: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-23, July.
    6. Leonard J. S. Tsuji & Stephen R. J. Tsuji & Aleksandra M. Zuk & Roger Davey & Eric N. Liberda, 2020. "Harvest Programs in First Nations of Subarctic Canada: The Benefits Go Beyond Addressing Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Issues," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-24, November.
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    9. Laura Fuentes & Hugo Asselin & Annie Claude Bélisle & Oscar Labra, 2020. "Impacts of Environmental Changes on Well-Being in Indigenous Communities in Eastern Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-11, January.
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