Linking biodiversity to traditional food access and nutrition among First Nations in Canada

Traditional foods are vital for maintaining nutritional quality among First Nations in Canada. Ecological biodiversity has been linked to human dietary quality. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between ecozone biodiversity and nutritional outcomes, specifically dietary diversity. Data from a cross-sectional study of 92 First Nations communities in 11 ecozones across Canada were used to calculate indicators of dietary diversity and quality, and predictive variables. Biodiversity databases and scientific articles containing range maps were used to calculate ecological species richness as a biodiversity indicator. Spearman’s correlations between dietary diversity and nutrition show that individuals who consume more traditional foods have more nutrient-rich diets, and dietary diversity is a good indicator of nutrition outcomes. Regression analyses show that ecological species richness was a negative factor, whereas variables related to culture and accessibility of traditional foods were positive factors in determining dietary diversity. Regional ecological gradients, urbanization, and agricultural development disrupt access to traditional foods, suggesting that the negative relationship between ecological species richness and dietary species richness is shaped more by ecological and anthropogenic patterns than by biodiversity. These results provide key insights for prioritizing interventions for promoting the nutritional health of First Nations in Canada.