Knowledge Tree
Nuxalk Nation
Also known as: Nuxalk
Facts (11)
Sources
Editorial: Local, traditional and indigenous food systems in the 21st ... frontiersin.org 6 facts
referenceKuhnlein and Chotiboriboon analyzed methods to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' food systems using case studies from the Nuxalk Nation in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pwo Karen People of the Sanephong Community in Thailand.
measurementThe Nuxalk Nation experienced a severe downturn in local food resources between 1980 and 2009, primarily driven by a decline in fish species.
accountThe Nuxalk Nation, inhabiting the Bella Coola valley, historically relied on a food system featuring five species of Pacific salmon, sea foods, game, tree foods, root foods, and various wild fruits and greens.
claimThe eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus Richardson) is a fish species of high nutritional and cultural value to the Nuxalk Nation, utilized for its oil and meat, and shared among community members as gifts.
accountInterviews with three generations of Nuxalk women indicate a gradual decline in the use of traditional game, berries, greens, roots, and sea foods, though the impact on river fish consumption has been less severe.
procedureThe Nuxalk Nation initiated a systematic effort in the 1980s to preserve and revive their food system by documenting and retaining traditional biocultural knowledge to support long-term nutrition and health.
“The Old Foods Are the New Foods!”: Erosion and Revitalization of ... frontiersin.org 4 facts
referenceThe Nuxalk Nation published the 'Nuxalk Food and Nutrition Handbook' in 1984, which serves as a guide to Nuxalk dietary practices.
quoteNuxalk Elder Dr. Margaret Siwallace stated, "The old foods are the new foods!" while expressing pleasure at the resurgence of community interest in reviving original Nuxalk foods that had been largely forgotten.
accountThe authors acknowledge specific Indigenous teachers who shared knowledge for the paper, including Helen Clifton and Eagle Chief Ernie Hill Jr. (Gitga'at Nation), Ronald Chum Newman, Salia Joy Joseph, Joy Joseph-McCullough, Chief Floyd Joseph (Squamish Nation), Chief Charlie Jones (Pacheedaht Nation), Dr. Margaret Siwallace (Nuxalk Nation), Cheryl Bryce (Lekwungen Nation), Kim Recalma-Clutesi (Kwakwaka'wakw Nation), and Dr. Mary Thomas (Secwepemc Nation).
referenceThe 1985 study by Lepofsky, Turner, and Kuhnlein titled 'Determining the availability of traditional wild plant foods: an example of Nuxalk foods, Bella Coola, BC' analyzes the availability of traditional wild plant foods for the Nuxalk people.
Ethnobotanical and Food Composition Monographs of Selected ... ouci.dntb.gov.ua 1 fact
referenceKuhnlein (1990) documented the nutrient values of indigenous wild plant greens and roots used by the Nuxalk people of Bella Coola, British Columbia.