EVALUATING FOOD USE BY CANADIAN ABORIGINAL PEOPLES

Canadian Aboriginal people encompass diverse cultural groups, whose da ily food patterns vary in regard to the kinds and proportions of indig enous foods. Standard dietary methods of assessing food consumption so metimes require modification to be understandable and acceptable to Ab original communities. Depending upon the purpose of the research, food frequency methods, repeated 24-h recalls of individual food consumpti on, and (or) examination of food preferences and food health beliefs m ay be used. Consultation with Aboriginal community leaders in planning the research is essential, to ensure collaboration and support. Expla ining the purpose and methods to community members requires assistance of a respected local Aboriginal person, fluent in the language. Extra time is required for becoming acquainted with local foods, for transl ation, and for training community members as interviewers. Examples of these principles are discussed from the author's experience in the Yu kon, the Northwest Territories, and northern Alberta.