Project Brief
This project seeks to further knowledge about current food sovereignty practices amongst T’Sou-ke Nation community members, while investigating what supports the community needs to secure infrastructure for their food sovereignty efforts. The objectives of this research included: formalizing community food sovereignty goals; identify Indigenous food practices as well as barriers to incorporating these practices in everyday life; determine what supports are required for sustained infrastructure within the community; and explore the concept of food as a renewable energy source through an Indigenous lens.
The research team has been working with Chief Gordon to fulfill these research objectives, along with Christine George who coordinates the Ladybug Garden and Greenhouse along with land-based education and programming in the community.
Project Outputs
Former MSc student, Brianna Poirier, provided programming support at the gardens and greenhouse during her time spent at T’Sou-ke along with a Seafood Gathering that was held in the community in 2018. Dr. Poirier’s research on Indigenous food sovereignty made up her MSc thesis, “From The Ocean Floor To The Mountain Top: Using The Renewable Energy Of Mother Earth To Grow Food” and her results were published in 2023. The project also contributed towards the international research network, Four Stories About Food Sovereignty.