Diabetes prevention in Indian country: developing nutrition models to tell the story of food-system change

Abstract

The disruption of the traditional food systems of Native Americans is generally believed to have contributed to the epidemic levels of type 2 diabetes and obesity present on U.S. Indian reservations today. Tribes are increasingly engaged in disease prevention and health promotion efforts including restoring components of their traditional food system. This article discusses the development of nutrition models for tribes in two regions; California and the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota. Each nutrition model tells the story of food system change and its health consequences through narrative and cultural imagery. Ultimately the models suggest ways to eat that reflect the traditional food pattern by using contemporary and traditional foods available today.