Food and Health Disparities in American Native Communities: Exploring the Impacts of Systemic Inequities

Historically, Native American communities were often depicted as having strong connections and traditions when it comes to health and food cultivation. However, it comes as a surprise to many that upon historical analysis, the American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) population is in much poorer health than most of the United States. The U.S. government has consistently stripped Native communities of the ability to grow, produce, or buy culturally significant food products, especially those that provide nutritional value. Tribes throughout the country have become dependent on government-rationed food, which is often ultra-processed and not meant for maintaining a healthy or sustainable diet. This, in turn, has led to a plethora of chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cirrhosis among these groups. While the issues are deeply rooted and would be difficult to eliminate, there are several policy and community-based solutions that could improve food sovereignty and further health status among the American Native population.