Food and Water: The True Connection

By Keith Denoncourt

A Lifeline to Healthy Living

Healthy food and clean water are essential for all life. Along with a healthy habitat, they form the foundation of survival. First Nations communities, hunters, fishermen, trappers, farmers, and ranchers are deeply connected to these basic needs. For us, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a way of life. We experience the ecosystem firsthand, understanding the delicate balance required to protect it.

The Purity of Nature

One of my most grounding experiences happened while fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Canada’s Northwest Territories. While guiding fishermen at Aylmer Lake Lodge with Canadian Wildlife Adventures, I jokingly offered "freshly bottled water." Surprised, they watched as I filled a bottle directly from the lake.

When they asked if it needed filtering or boiling, I laughed, took a drink, and handed it to them. Their smiles as they tasted the crisp, chemical-free water were unforgettable. The pristine lake, so clear you could see rocks at 30 feet, set a standard of cleanliness that’s hard to imagine. It’s something everyone should experience at least once.

A Spectacular Sight

Fishing in such waters isn’t just about the catch; it’s about the connection. Reeling in a trophy lake trout, you can see the fish from a long way out, thanks to the water’s clarity. It’s a spectacular sight. I’ve guided many large fish, including one weighing 67 lbs, the lodge record set by Patti McNeil.

These clean waters also translate to healthy, delicious meals. Whether it’s freshly caught lake trout or muskox from the region, the purity of the environment ensures the meat is incredibly wholesome.

A Global Perspective

The connection between healthy ecosystems and food is something I’ve witnessed globally. At the Basso Safari Lodge in South Africa, meals were prepared from fresh, local harvests. The chefs highlighted how the clean, balanced environment produced healthy, sustainable meals.

Our harvests didn’t just feed us—they supported three families and provided food for 64 students and orphans for about a month. As sportsmen, our involvement in these ecosystems contributes to both local and global sustainability.

Sportsmen: The Stewards of Conservation

Contrary to popular misconceptions, sportsmen play a vital role in conservation. Many believe we hunt merely to kill—a claim I find deeply offensive. Taking an animal’s life is a profound, personal act. Ethical, legal harvests are not only sustainable but also contribute to environmental health.

The majority of conservation projects are funded and supported by sportsmen. We are often the first to address environmental concerns, sponsor conservation initiatives, and advocate for healthier ecosystems. Our intimate connection with nature gives us the insight needed to act quickly and effectively when ecosystems are threatened.

Protecting Our Future

What enters our environment ultimately enters us. Only those actively engaged with ecosystems can truly understand and address issues before it’s too late. Promoting a healthy food source and lifestyle is my way of encouraging others to protect the environment.

Let’s Share and Inspire

Soon, I’ll be sharing some incredible wildlife recipes with you. I encourage you to share yours as well. Together, we can inspire more people to appreciate the beauty of nature and take an active role in conservation.

If you’d like help arranging an outdoor adventure, let us know!

Stay safe in the outdoors, and always support non-profit conservation organizations.