April 30, 2007 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, launched the first ever national food guide for First Nations, Inuit and Métis - “Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide - First Nations Inuit and Métis.”

The Guide was designed and illustrated by EarthLore Communications—illustrator Robert Ramsay, graphic designer Mark Strong and senior design manager Barbara Barkley. The project was developed over a year and half, working closely with Health Canada and the First Nations Inuit Health Branch and the Community Programs Directorate.

This Food Guide has been designed to reflect the unique values, traditions and food choices of Aboriginal populations and to complement the new 2007 version of Canada's National mainstream Food Guide. This tailored food guide includes traditional food from the land and sea, and provides the best, most current information for eating well and living healthy.

“The designs were well received by key stakeholders. The creativity applied to the project was apparent, as was the research that went in to creating appropriate imagery.” Says Brenda Macintyre the Inter-branch Advisor, Aboriginal Nutrition and the project manager for the assignment.

“This new food guide for First Nations, Inuit and Métis is yet another example of how Canada's New Government is addressing the specific needs of Canada's Aboriginal people,” said Minister Prentice. “This guide will be a valuable tool that will assist Aboriginal communities and Northerners in making informed healthy choices, while respecting their traditional way of life,” added Minister Prentice.

“We are happy to see that Canada's Food Guide has been tailored to meet the needs and considerations of Canada's First Nations,” said National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations. “This new tailored guide is a positive step towards improving the health of First Nations peoples but we must continue to work with the government to improve access to affordable, healthy food, especially in remote and northern communities,” added National Chief Fontaine.

“We are pleased to see 'country food' being recognized in the Canada Food Guide as an essential element of a nutritious diet for Inuit,” commented Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. “Country food for Inuit includes caribou, Arctic Char, seal, whale, walrus, muskox, ptarmigan, and many other plants, animals, and fish. This Food Guide will be a useful tool to educate Inuit youth across the Arctic and in the South.”

“On behalf of the Métis National Council, I would like to thank Health Canada for their clear recognition of and commitment to the health and well being of the Métis through the publication of “Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis,” said Mr. Dale LeClair, Chief Administrative Officer, Métis National Council. “The Métis National Council shares Health Canada's commitment to good health and we will continue to work together to improve and maintain the health of the Métis nation.”

For more information on Canada's Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis, please visit Health Canada's Web site www.healthcanada.gc.ca

Click to see samples

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