Author: Sara    Imam

Major: Anthropology

Graduation Year: 2020

Thesis Advisor: Darren J. Ranco

Description of Publication: Indigenous women have been affected by food insecurity due to historical and continued impacts of settler-colonialism, which include the stripping of traditional gendered roles and responsibilities, environmental degradation, and poverty that limit access to traditional foods and resources. As a result, Indigenous women remain among the most vulnerable to malnourishment and hunger, as well as chronic health conditions that arise in part from colonial diets. Despite the severity of this issue in Native North America, there has been little research carried out on the topic in the state of Maine. This thesis analyzes the connections between factors underlying food insecurity as it relates to Maine Indigenous women and communities. In addition, efforts by Maine tribes to address food insecurity and reclaim tribal food sovereignty are discussed. A Wabanaki case study is used to highlight Indigenous perspectives related to food access, personal health, and community concerns.

Location of Publication:

URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/598/