Abstract
The dietary patterns of Indigenous peoples have undergone significant changes, especially in urban settings. This study explores the complex landscape of food choices among urban Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan, Canada, focusing on the comparative benefits and risks of traditional foods versus market foods. It also investigates the barriers to consuming traditional foods. Through 14 in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, this research engaged a diverse group of participants, including 10 women and 4 men, aged 21 to 61, comprised of 13 First Nations and 1 Metis individuals. Using NVivo for thematic coding, the study employed inductive thematic analysis. This revealed six themes highlighting the benefits of traditional foods: health and nutritional benefits, cultural and community connection, physical and mental well-being, economic and cost benefits, environmental and ethical considerations, and personal preferences and experiences. Conversely, risks associated with traditional foods encompassed four themes: health risks, environmental pollution affecting food sources, physical and occupational risks in hunting and gathering, and sustainability and scarcity concerns. Market foods' benefits were grouped into five themes: accessibility, convenience, affordability, diversity of food options, and label transparency and dietary accommodation. Their risks included health concerns, poor nutritional value, detachment from cultural and traditional practices, lack of nutritional awareness and education, compromises in taste and quality, environmental and ethical concerns, and impacts on children and future generations. Barriers to consuming traditional foods were categorized into seven themes: economic and financial constraints, access and availability, cultural and knowledge gaps, regulatory and policy barriers, health and safety concerns, lifestyle and practical constraints, and environmental and sustainability concerns. These findings illuminate how a myriad of factors, from cultural heritage to contemporary challenges, influence dietary preferences and practices of urban Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan. The identified benefits and risks of both traditional and market foods, along with the various barriers to accessing traditional foods, highlight a critical intersection between tradition, health, and contemporary lifestyles. As a pioneering study in Saskatchewan, this research underscores the importance of considering cultural, environmental, and practical aspects when addressing nutritional health in Indigenous populations. [Saskatchewan Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (SK-NEIHR)]