Braiding food systems: Co-constructing Indigenous seed systems in Northern Ontario for food sovereignty, security, and climate adaptation

Lead Applicant: Silvia Sarapura

Research Priority: Sustainable Production Systems

Program Type: Special Initiatives Projects

Funding Cycle: 2023/2024

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Climate change impacts traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering practices of Northern Ontario First Nations (FN) communities, increasing reliance on expensive store-bought, nutritionally-poor food. Prohibitive costs, poor health outcomes (obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, heart disease), and food insecurity have inspired calls by FN leaders for localized, low-cost, high-quality food production support for communities. Northern food production is limited by harsh climates, but longer growing seasons due to climate change have enabled northern crop growing initiatives in the Arctic. Supported by Southern Ontario producers of Indigenous seeds, this research project will identify and introduce viable Indigenous heritage seed varieties suited to northern climates and benefitting plant, animal, and human health. Community-led Living Laboratory seed systems braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge (including public and One Health perspectives) will complement local biodiversity while integrating food growing into existing systems, reducing reliance on imported foods. This interdisciplinary research embedded in development will address socio-cultural, health, economic, and environmental components.

Team Collaborators: Laurentian University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Collège Boréal, Lakehead University, Cultural Seeds, Nokiiwin Tribal Council