Great Lakes Intertribal Council’s (GLITC) Collaborative Work Group
Throughout U.S. history, policies and practices have systematically removed land from Native Nations. These lands, which supported farming, fishing, and harvesting, nourished communities for over a millennium before colonization. In addition to forced displacement, Native communities faced economic, political, and environmental disruptions that contributed to disparities in food security, poor dietary quality, and the rise of chronic diseases like obesity and cancer.
In response, a movement to restore food sovereignty in Native American communities emerged, aiming to shift power back to local communities, revitalize Indigenous food systems, improve food security, and reduce health inequities. Addressing obesity, which is linked to 13 types of cancer, has the potential to significantly reduce cancer burden.
In response, a movement to restore food sovereignty in Native American communities emerged, aiming to shift power back to local communities, revitalize Indigenous food systems, improve food security, and reduce health inequities. Addressing obesity, which is linked to 13 types of cancer, has the potential to significantly reduce cancer burden.
Great Lakes Intertribal Council’s (GLITC) Collaborative Work Group initiative draws from the principles of Native Food Sovereignty to build on community assets. It aims to foster stronger ties to Native culture and identity, increase access to traditional, nutrient-rich foods, and promote sustainable, locally sourced food systems. By focusing on the relationship to the land and incorporating traditional health and wellness practices, the initiative seeks to improve overall health and reduce chronic disease.
The initiative’s goals include:
- Promote cultural ties and interest in traditional foods: Strengthen community identity and raise awareness of traditional foods and practices, leading to increased engagement with culturally significant, nutrient-rich foods.
- Increase access to locally sourced, fresh, and nutritious food: Establish a community garden initiative to provide sustainable access to traditional and locally grown foods, improving diet quality and food security.
- Develop and implement a wellness program: Create a program grounded in Native cultural values and practices to promote healthier eating habits, reduce sedentary lifestyles, and support overall health. This program will aim to increase social connections, physical activity, reduce stress, and encourage preventative screenings, including for breast and lung cancer.
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The research will focus on:
- How cultural identity influences eating and activity choices among Lac du Flambeau community members.
- The impact of access to locally sourced, nutritious foods, with or without wellness programming, on diet and physical activity patterns.
- The effects of behavior change on physical outcomes such as metabolic syndrome, body composition, strength, fitness, and overall quality of life.