Food security exists when people have consistent physical and economic access to sufficient,
safe, and nutritious foods to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and
healthy life. Remote northern First Nations communities suffer disproportionate rates of food
insecurity and confront many social problems that stem from colonization. Access to healthy,
inexpensive, and culturally appropriate foods will not solve all of these problems; however,
healthy food is necessary for wider social change and healthy living. Despite widespread
knowledge of the food crisis in remote northern communities, little attention has been given
to the suggestions of community members themselves for addressing these problems. Using
a decolonizing, Talking Circle method, this study provides a voice for community members in a
northern community in Ontario to share their experiences on healthy eating and food security.
This paper rejects traditional academic writing and embraces Indigenous story-telling as a
narrative framework. The outcome of the Talking Circles held with community members shows
that there is a serious need for food security and food sovereignty (i.e., independence) in
northern communities. Community members are ready and willing to think of solutions to the
twin crises of food insecurity and ill health. The suggested solutions (a) require political
sovereignty prior to sustainable social and economic development, and (b) emphasize the
importance of traditional knowledge and values.