Hi--

The area is in the East central valley in California (US), North-East and South
East of Fresno in the Sierra Nevadas.
Mono is probably the largest nation served there.  My knowledge is about 4 years
old.  The government was making food dispersal of cheese, white flour, lard,
sugar, powdered milk and frequently peanuts and other items if there was a
surplus.  That is why peanut butter brittle would be frequently sold at pow wows
to raise money.

At the same time, diabetes and related problems, i.e. blindness were the primary
health problems seen in Health Clinic when I was there.

Mary--- It is well known that there is a disproportionately higher incidence of
diabetes within Native populations compared to other ethnic groups.  So even
though other ethnic groups are given the same crud Natives are at higher risk.
Plus there are other political issues at stake that are unique to Natives.

I have read some research that indicates going back to traditional ways
(particularly food) and a healthy community was the strongest predictors of
women's health and absence of diabetes.

Cheyenne Loon, the same political and ideological themes you mention are alive
in the Central Valley of California.

Lynda



Cheyenne Loon wrote:

> Hi, Lynda,
>
> I'm very curious - which governments are still giving sugar, white flour,
> etc as food subsidies, and to which Indian groups??  I'm very interested in
> this food-related genocide topic.
>
> Recently I wrote an article for a newsmagazine that reaches the 9 Cree
> communities in my tribe in Quebec, Canada...I stated that through its health
> system, the provincial government was knowingly advocating a "store-food"
> diet (as opposed to an h-g diet) in order to wean the Cree off of their
> dependence on the land.  In doing so, the province might more easily
> convince the courts to allow them to dam and deforest the region, since the
> Crees no longer need that land for sustenance.  They tried this argument 25
> years ago and failed.  Next time they might succeed.  Everytime I talk to a
> Cree about diet, I say the same thing - "eat bush food - for your health,
> and for your sovereignty."
>
> > Dori--
> >
> > Some say that the governments insistence on giving huge amounts of sugar,
> white
> > flour, roasted peanuts, cheese and Crisco to Indians as staple food
> subsidies is
> > a continuation of
> > genocidal policies.  I think Indians have the highest rate of diabetes
> compared
> > to other ethnic groups.
> >
> > --Lynda
> >