Photo Cote-Nord. Photo credit @Le Nord-Côtier https://lenord-cotier.com/2017/05/01/riviere-moisie-les-innus-veulent-reprendre-la-riviere/
The International Summer School on Territory, Food, Health, and Well-being offers a unique experience exploring the profound connections between the environment, traditional food, and the health of First Nations. Organized by the Sentinelle Nord program at Université Laval, the Coastal Chair, and the Corporation du Mushuau-nipi, this transdisciplinary training takes place at two distinct sites, beginning in Uashat mak Mani-utenam and continuing to Mushuau-nipi.
This school emphasizes ecosystemic approaches to health, integrating Indigenous, scientific, and professional knowledge. Participants, selected from graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and Indigenous individuals, will explore socio-environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and food environments, in relation to the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
The program includes discussions, lectures, and workshops covering various themes such as public health in an Indigenous context, food environments, and food security, the impact of environmental changes on the land, and perspectives on Indigenous self-determination.
One unique aspect of this school is the immersive experience on the land at Mushuau-nipi, located in the middle of the tundra and taiga, 250 km northeast of Schefferville. Participants will live in an Indigenous camp, sharing Innu traditional practices and contributing to daily tasks. Authentic exchanges between participants, elders, and community members will foster reflection on the adaptation and resilience of Indigenous Nations and their communities in the face of current challenges.
This international summer school offers a valuable opportunity to develop a systemic vision of socio-environmental issues, strengthen the links between traditional food and health, and contribute to solutions to improve food security, health, and well-being in Indigenous communities.
Interested candidates have until April 7, 2024, to apply for this enriching experience.