Accessing Traditional Indigenous Food Systems in Northwest Territories

Priority Outcomes for Northwest Territories Schools The Grants to Promote and Procure Healthy Local Foods for Schools program in the Northwest Territories aims to achieve specific outcomes that align with the region's unique needs and circumstances. The primary focus is on transforming food systems in K-12 schools to provide healthy, local, and sustainable food practices. ### Improving Student Health through Nutrition Education One of the key priority outcomes is improving student health through nutrition education programs. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment in the Northwest Territories plays a crucial role in supporting this outcome by providing resources and guidance for schools to develop effective nutrition education programs. By incorporating nutrition education into the curriculum, students will develop healthy eating habits and a better understanding of the importance of locally sourced produce. The presence of frontier communities in the Northwest Territories, where access to fresh produce can be limited, makes this outcome particularly significant. Another priority outcome is the establishment of school gardens and salad bars featuring fresh, locally sourced produce. The Aurora Research Institute, a regional body in the Northwest Territories, can provide valuable insights and support for initiatives that promote local food systems and traditional harvesting practices. By engaging students in the process of growing and harvesting their own food, schools can foster a deeper connection to the land and a greater appreciation for the importance of sustainable food practices. ### Supporting Local Economies and Food Systems The Grants to Promote and Procure Healthy Local Foods for Schools program also aims to support local economies and food systems in the Northwest Territories. By promoting the procurement of locally sourced produce, the program can help to stimulate economic growth in rural and remote communities. The geographic feature of the Northwest Territories, with its vast wilderness and limited road access, presents unique challenges for food transportation and distribution. By supporting local food systems, the program can help to reduce reliance on external food sources and promote food security in the region. The program's focus on supporting local food systems also aligns with the interests of other regions in Canada, such as New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, which are also exploring innovative approaches to promoting local food procurement in schools. However, the specific context and challenges of the Northwest Territories require a tailored approach that takes into account the region's unique cultural, geographic, and economic characteristics. In terms of measuring success, the program will likely track outcomes such as the number of schools participating in the program, the amount of locally sourced produce procured, and the impact on student health and nutrition knowledge. By focusing on these priority outcomes, the Grants to Promote and Procure Healthy Local Foods for Schools program can make a meaningful contribution to improving the health and well-being of students in the Northwest Territories. Q: How will the grant program measure the success of nutrition education programs in Northwest Territories schools? A: The program will likely track outcomes such as student participation rates, improvements in nutrition knowledge, and changes in eating habits. Q: Can schools in the Northwest Territories partner with local organizations to support the development of school gardens and salad bars? A: Yes, schools are encouraged to partner with local organizations, such as the Aurora Research Institute, to leverage their expertise and resources. Q: How will the grant program support the procurement of locally sourced produce in remote communities with limited access to fresh food? A: The program will provide funding to support the development of local food systems, including initiatives that promote traditional harvesting practices and the procurement of locally sourced produce.