Our Commitment
The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food was created on two pivotal principles: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action #18 and Article #24 of the United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. These Calls to Action cover various areas including child welfare, education, health, justice, and Indigenous languages and culture.
Call to Action #18:
"We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to acknowledge that the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies, including residential schools, and to recognize and implement the healthcare rights of Aboriginal people as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties"
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a comprehensive international instrument adopted in 2007 that outlines the rights of Indigenous peoples globally. It establishes minimum standards for their survival, dignity, and well-being, covering individual and collective rights, cultural rights, identity, education, health, employment, language, and more.
UNDRIP Article #24:
- Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.
- Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. States shall take the necessary steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of this right
What is the Difference Between "Food Sovereignty" and "Food Security"?
Food security and food sovereignty are often confused because they both address issues related to access to food, but they approach the problem from different angles. The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food defines food sovereignty and food security in the following ways:
- Food security addresses the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food supplies.
- Food sovereignty goes further by emphasizing the rights of people to define their own food systems. It advocates for local control over food production, distribution, and consumption, prioritizing ecological sustainability, social justice, and cultural appropriateness.