Aboriginal Food Guide Earning Strong Reviews

Friday, April 13, 2007 at 14:38

A health sciences professor from the West Coast says he hopes more First Nations families turn to the wilderness for their daily intake of nutrients.

Dr. Laurie Chan of the University of Northern British Columbia is applauding the creation of Canada’s first-ever Aboriginal food guide.

Health Canada announced the initiative earlier this week.

Chan admits not all bands live near places where wild berries and game are in abundance, but he feels the guide is still a step in the right direction.

He says it’s good to see the medical establishment supporting fare like bannock and caribou meat.

However, he notes the jury is still out on which fish people should have and how much, due to the mercury content found inside some species. For example, he says trout has more mercury than whitefish.

Chan says he still supports having fish in a traditional diet, but he advises people to watch their intake.