Eating Gitxaała, being Gitxaała : food and cultural security

Abstract

This chapter explores the significance of a territory-based food system to Gitxaala Nation, a First Nation located on the North coast of British Columbia. The fieldwork for this chapter was conducted at a time when multiple economic projects are being proposed/pursued in Laxyuup Gitxaala; the perceived ways in which such projects will alter the territory and Gitxaala’s relationship with it have created a sense of concern among Gitxaala people. Gitxaala food is used as the vehicle through which such concerns for the future of Gitxaala Nation are discussed. Ultimately, this chapter examines how Gitxaala food reflects and reveals how Gitxaala people understand themselves as a unique Nation and differentiate themselves from others. I argue that the Gitxaala food system and all of its related practices acts as a method of cultural security.