Klara Gong Shines Light on Food Insecurity in the North
By Alison Carrie
Klara Gong, a Grade 12 student, recently brought important attention to the issue of Indigenous food insecurity in Northern Canada through an outstanding project in her World Cultures class. As part of her Independent Study Unit, Klara chose to explore food insecurity in Churchill, Manitoba, a topic that resonated deeply with her after witnessing firsthand the exceptionally high cost of groceries in the region.
Klara was first introduced to the issue of food insecurity in Northern Canada during a SHAD trip two summers ago. After being accepted into this summer enrichment program focused on STEAM and entrepreneurship, she was assigned to the Manitoba campus, where she spent a month working on a sustainability project. A pivotal part of this experience was a week in Churchill, which proved to be life-changing. There, she became immersed in the region’s history and culture and was struck by the exorbitant cost of food. However, it wasn’t until she was assigned her ISU project this year that she fully delved into researching the issue in depth.
Recognizing that food insecurity disproportionately affects many Indigenous communities in northern and remote parts of Canada, Klara created an awareness campaign and website titled The Price Up North. Her goal was to educate others about the barriers many northern residents face in accessing affordable, nutritious food, while also highlighting the broader social and cultural impacts on Indigenous peoples. Food is deeply connected to culture, community, and identity, and Klara's project emphasized how food insecurity can affect not only physical health, but also cultural traditions and ways of life.
The website quickly gained widespread attention, attracting more than 16,000 visitors within the first 48 hours of its launch. Its rapid success caught the attention of Sierra Sanders, Associate Producer at CBC Radio Manitoba in Winnipeg, who reached out to invite Klara to discuss her project on air.
Last Friday, Klara was interviewed live on CBC Radio Manitoba, where she spoke passionately about the inspiration behind her project and the urgent need to address food insecurity in northern Indigenous communities. Her thoughtful insights and commitment to social justice demonstrated both academic excellence and genuine compassion.
Her work serves as an inspiring example of how young people can use their learning to engage with real-world issues, amplify Indigenous voices, and advocate for meaningful change. Her project not only showcased her research and creativity, but also her dedication to raising awareness about an issue of national importance.
“I’ve always felt that more people needed to know about this,” said Klara. “Churchill was a good starting point, but there are so many other ‘fly-in only’ places across Canada that desperately need assistance. Not just food, but clean water too.”
Next year Klara will pursue Commerce at Queen’s University where she hopes to join some social action clubs and continue to further her project.
Listen to her interview on CBC Radio Manitoba here.
Next year Klara will pursue Commerce at Queen’s University where she hopes to join some social action clubs and continue to further her project.
Listen to her interview on CBC Radio Manitoba here.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
