Connected to Country : the potential of bush tucker and indigenous knowledge to support food and nutrition security within remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Manawatu
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Date
2020
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Massey University
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Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples currently experience disproportionately high rates of food insecurity and poor nutritional well-being, especially within remote communities. This alarming situation serves in contrast to millennia of health and prosperity enjoyed by these nations under the traditional food system, prior to European invasion. In addressing these issues, this study explores the potential of traditional foods and food-specific Indigenous knowledge to support present-day food and nutrition security within remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In seeking to privilege the voices of First Peoples, this study draws on the Indigenous narrative tradition of yarning, guided by the concept of dadirri, or deep listening. Findings derived from yarns conducted with four Aboriginal Elders in the remote community of Tennant Creek are supported by an analysis of documents, submitted as part of the ongoing federal government-led inquest into food security and food pricing within remote Indigenous communities. This study revealed that re-invigorating the everyday role of traditional foods and food-related Indigenous knowledge is recognised amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as being both an avenue for improving food and nutrition security, and a significant opportunity to advance the holistic health and wider aspirations of Indigenous communities. However, this study suggests that remote Indigenous communities’ efforts to engage with the traditional food system and to upscale existing grassroots ventures focused on the production of bush foods and the transmission of food-specific Indigenous knowledge remain inhibited by a multitude of structural barriers within post-colonial Australia. Remote Indigenous communities believe external support from government and non-Indigenous Australia is required to maximise the inherent potential of the traditional food system to support food security, nutritional well-being and holistic health outcomes. However, this support remains largely absent. In order to realise these potentials, this study contends that food and nutrition security interventions within remote Indigenous communities must include greater community consultation, invest in the existing capabilities of First Peoples and augment the growth of community-led efforts to retain and rejuvenate food-related knowledge, practices, cultures and traditions.