Braiding Food Systems: Co-Constructing Indigenous Seed Systems in Northern Ontario for Food Sovereignty, Security and Climate Adaptation

Indigenous communities in the Northern Great Lakes Region of Ontario have diverse food systems with distinct practices and knowledge connected to the land. Traditional food systems in this region are often reduced to hunting, fishing, and gathering activities, but they have also involved planting, growing, maintaining, and harvesting for thousands of years. Climate change and mutually reinforcing processes of settler colonialism, systemic marginalization, and land dispossession limit the capacity and presence of food growing in Northern Ontario First Nations and impact access to and availability of traditional foods, presenting a major barrier to addressing food insecurity. Responding to calls from Indigenous leaders to support food growing strategies that complement existing food systems, the Braiding Food Systems (BFS) project is a three year collaboration between Red Rock Indian Band, Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Mamaweswen - The North Shore Tribal Council, and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. The project collaborates with First Nations to co-develop and re-localize seed systems in Northern Ontario and to enhance food security and food sovereignty. This presentation will highlight the research and knowledge mobilization activities, progress, and outcomes from year two of the BFS project. We will outline how we continue to build trust and relationships with partners, and reflect on what we have learned in gardening - Citizen Science, engagement with community schools and research activities. We will also overview our collaborative knowledge mobilization process and recent activities and outputs: community profiles, food fairs, garden knowledge sharing, toolkits, infographics, and curriculum development. We will conclude with considerations for year three and share opportunities and key takeaways to strengthen future community engaged research with Indigenous communities.