Title: Blackfoot Ecological Knowledge and Food Security
Project Summary: Kainai ecosystems are currently experiencing loss of traditional foods and medicines due to climate change impacts. The Blackfoot Ecological Knowledge and Food Security Project aimed to increase food security and re-connect Blackfoot people to their environment. Traditional food activities such as harvesting and harvest preparation are central to the health and cultures of Indigenous peoples contributing to physical, social and spiritual well-being. A greenhouse is also being built in the community by a community consultation company called: Secure Your Food. The aim is to share the processes, lessons learned and successes with other First Nation communities who are interested in setting up community activities for food security. The project collaborators described this project as an excellent example of how traditional and western knowledge systems can be combined to prioritize the protection of sensitive ecosystems. Food security is a priority for the Blood Tribe who are thankful for the support they received from community members, various departments, leadership and surrounding environmental groups.