Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is a national week of action focused on educating the public about the complexities of eating disorders which can affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic classes, races, and abilities. Biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal relationships, cultural and societal expectations may affect the development of eating disorders. People who have struggled with poor mental health, identity, and self-image or have experienced bullying, violence, discrimination, and homelessness may be at greater risk. Research specific to Métis experiences with eating disorders is limited though some of the experiences within the research of our First Nation's relatives are also reflected within the Métis Nation. 1
Urban and rural lifestyles have their own unique implications for developing eating disorders. Food is less affordable and accessible in northern communities, and climate change and resource extraction have impacted land-based food systems. Food insecurity is linked to poor mental health and unintentional disordered eating. On the other hand, living in urban areas can disconnect the land and traditional community-based practices of gathering food and medicine for Métis people.
Indigenous perspectives of wellness challenge the colonial concept that determines health based on the size of a person's body and is enforced through messaging that centers on "low fat," clean dieting, prescriptive food guides and hustling at the gym. Traditional foods-systems and cultural land-based practices of hunting, gathering and preparation of foods are reflective of Métis perspectives on wellness which emphasizes the importance of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance and of wholeness within oneself and within a community.
Visit National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) for access to information and resources.
Instant chat and the NEDIC helpline (1-866-NEDIC-20 and 416-340-4156) are available from 9am - 9pm Monday - Thursday and from 9am - 5pm on Friday.
24/7 Métis Crisis line at 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722)