The Micmac natives, originally from Asia, were among the first inhabitants in North America and became the dominant tribe in the Canadian Maritime. Relocation to reserves, migration to large urban centers and adaptation of social habits changed the traditional lifestyle, diet and health of the Micmac Indian people, causing health issues like gallbladder disease, diabetes and obesity.
Traditional Diet
The Micmac Indians of Canada, being semi-nomadic, did not farm. As hunters, their traditionally diet focused on moose, caribou, woodland game, shellfish, seals, walrus and fish. Berries, roots, squash and maple syrup supplemented their diet seasonally.
Today's Diet
Today, the Micmac people have adopted a mainly carbohydrate diet. A study published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal" examined food intake and meal patterns in 120 Nova Scotia Micmac Indians as compared to Caucasian women. Findings were that Micmac Indian women had higher carbohydrate, lower protein and lower fiber content in their diets than Caucasian women, who derived more energy from protein and ate a higher percentage of foods containing vitamin A, niacin and ascorbic acid. Most women studied had diets insufficient in calcium, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.
Obesity
The Micmac were among the first in Canada to encounter Europeans, whose influence and cultural integration changed native Micmac lifestyles, particularly in diet and exercise patterns. As the Micmac relocated to reserves, the traditional nomadic way of life -- hunting, fishing and gathering -- were abandoned. Physical activity decreased, and with the dependence on less nutritious food alternatives, obesity developed. A 1981 study published in "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" found that obesity was the most significant contributor to cholesterol-saturated bile, a precursor for gallstone formation. Lack of iron and calcium in their diets also had an effect.
Gallstones
Compared with other North Americans, the Micmac have a higher morbidity from gallbladder disease. The study of "Nutrient Intake and Meal Patterns of Micmac Indians" says the high prevalence of gallstones among obese Nova Scotia Micmac Indian women may be due to the greater portion of total energy intake from carbohydrates.
Diabetes
Diabetes in aboriginals is three to five times more prevalent than in the general Canadian population. This trend may be associated with Euro-Canadian influences on Micmac lifestyle, according to a paper published by "Chronic Diseases in Canada." The research project aimed at studying environmental and lifestyle factors to develop policies and practices to manage and prevent diabetes in native communities. The Assembly of First Nations initiated the "First Nations Diabetes Report Card" to make recommendations to control the disease.
Food Supply
Lack of traditional sources of food has resulted in a reliance on store-bought foods. Many Micmacs cannot afford to purchase nutritious foods on their fixed incomes. In isolated communities, traveling to major grocery stores may be difficult. Many local reservation stores do not stock fruits, vegetables or fresh meats. Protein choices may be limited to processed meats or high-fat and carbohydrate snack foods.
References
- Directessays.com: The Micmac
- Nova Scotia Museum Info: The Mi'kmaq: Food
- Nutrient Intake and Meal Patterns of Micmac Indian and Caucasian Women in Shubenacadie, NS; J.L. Johnston et al.; 1977
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Chronic Diseases in Canada: Using Qualitative Research to Understand the Sociocultural Origins of Diabetes among Cape Breton Mi'kmaq
- Biliary Lipid, Bile Acid Composition, and Dietary Correlations in Micmac Indian Women; C Noel Williams et al; 1981
- Assembly of First Nations: A First Nations Diabetes Report Card
