The Northern Corridor, Food Insecurity and the Resource Curse for Indigenous Communities in Canada ...

• Main Authors: Thompson, Shirley, Hill, Stewart, Salles, Annette, Ahmed, Tanzim, Adegun, Ajarat, Nwankwo, Uche
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The School of Public Policy Publications 2023
• Subjects: First Nations; inuit; Nunavut
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/sppp.v16i1.76032; https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/sppp/article/view/76032

Food insecurity rates for Canada’s Indigenous people are the worst among developed nations, demanding immediate action to prevent an impending health crisis. Food insecurity in Canada is widespread across most First Nations households (51 per cent). The highest food insecurity rates are experienced by the Inuit in Nunavut (63 per cent), First Nations without access roads (65 per cent), and Alberta First Nations (60 per cent). Indigenous peoples’ food insecurity is associated with a shorter life expectancy and higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, including four times the diabetes incidence of Canada’s non-Indigenous populations. This paper analyzes the impact on food insecurity of a notional trade northern corridor to reach local and global markets, considering case studies of resource and utility corridors. This research found that, rather than improving food security and providing benefits, trade corridors typically bring a resource curse to Indigenous communities. Also called the ‘paradox of ... : The School of Public Policy Publications, Vol. 16 No. 1 (2023) ...