Aboriginal Food Guide Ready For The Public

Aboriginal Food Guide Ready For The Public

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 14:50

Health Canada has today released the country’s first Aboriginal food guide.

Health Minister Tony Clement says the food guide was designed to reflect the unique values, traditions and food choices of First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations.

Among other features, the guide incorporates traditional food.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice says it will assist Aboriginal communities in making informed healthy food choices, while respecting their traditional way of life.

Experts from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research say given the prevalence of obesity and diabetes among Aboriginal people, the food guide should be a useful tool in promoting a healthy diet and improving the overall health status of Native people.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine says this new food guide is a positive step towards improving the health of Aboriginal people.

However, Fontaine also says the government must continue to work with Aboriginal groups to improve access to affordable, healthy food — especially in remote and northern communities.