An Aboriginal-governed and led project aims to promote healthy eating and seasonal consumption of traditional foods among Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley.
Working alongside Elders and Communities in the Kimberley, researchers are exploring the nutritional benefits of traditional foods and seasonal eating.
Food insecurity is a significant issue for many Aboriginal people living in remote areas. Access to nutritious foods is often limited, making it difficult for Communities to maintain a balanced diet.
A better understanding of the nutritional values of traditional foods, and how to make the most of foods in season, will help promote healthy eating – which is critical for chronic disease prevention.
How the project works
The project, supported by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), involves:
- Analysing the nutrient profile of traditional foods sourced from land and sea such as fish, fruits, and land animals.
- Collecting and recording stories from Community members about how traditional foods are hunted, gathered and cooked.
- Discovering what helps – and what makes it harder for – Community members to eat traditional foods in season.
- Working with the Community to design, develop and share resources for healthy eating and traditional foods.
Impact and importance
Research lead Professor Lucinda Black said the research proposal was instigated and driven by Aboriginal people and builds on existing collaborative research.
“It’s exciting to be able to work on this project in a hands-on way with Aboriginal people who have a deep understanding and connection to this land and its traditional foods,” Professor Black said.
The findings could impact the broader national food policy landscape, including underpinning dietary monitoring and modelling, as well as future iterations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Guide to Healthy Eating.
Project outcomes and resources
1. Read about the interconnections between local seasons, traditional foods, and wellbeing here.
2. Community updates
3. Community mural
Artist Samina Manado created a stunning community mural celebrating local seasons and traditional foods. The mural will be displayed at prominent locations around the community to promote “catch in season for good reason”.
Image below (L-R): Janine McNamara, Shannon Owen, Lucinda Black, John Jacky, Philomena Manado, Samina Manado, Vincent McKenzie
4. New sun-safe uniforms for community school in the west Kimberley region
As part of our project in the Kimberley, local artists created new sun-safe uniforms for community school children to help promote healthy, seasonal, eating of traditional foods. The uniforms feature images of traditional foods, clan groups and local seasons. Watch the video below to see a community school teacher describe the uniform in the classroom.
Nyoongar foods, stories and vitamin D
Read about Nyoongar foods, stories and vitamin D, co-created as part of our related Bush Tucker – Vitamin D project (GNT1184788, 2020-2025)
We acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Elders, leaders, and members of the communities we work with. We respectfully recognise Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property and thank all for sharing their knowledges and insights into traditional foods, which have been enjoyed on their Country for nourishment, medicine, and the healing of families across generations.
Project funding
MRFF Indigenous Health Research: Connecting to Country for Healthy Eating GNT2024985 (2024-2026)