“Where Creator Has My Feet, There I Will Be Responsible”: Place-Making in Urban Environments through Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiatives

Abstract

There is a growing emergence of Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) initiatives across urban centers within many regions of Canada. Urban Indigenous communities are leading these efforts to revitalize Indigenous foods and agricultural practices while promoting food security and increasing Land-based connections within cities. However, the socio-ecological environments within these urban contexts affect IFS initiatives in unique ways which have not been previously explored. This study addresses these gaps by drawing on qualitative interviews with seven urban Indigenous people leading IFS initiatives within Grand River Territory (situated within southern Ontario, Canada). Applying community-based participatory methods, this research explored how place impacts IFS initiatives within urban environments. Thematic analysis generated two overarching thematic categories: Land access, and place-making practices, revealing a bi-directional, dynamic interaction between place and urban IFS initiatives. Relationships with landowners, control of land, and external factors determined how Land was accessed in urban environments. Place-making practices involved fostering relationships with Land, upholding responsibilities, and cultivating Land-based knowledges. Therefore, IFS initiatives are impacted by Land access, but also facilitate place-making for urban Indigenous Peoples. These findings demonstrate pathways towards Indigenous self-determination and IFS within urban contexts, which can be applicable to other urban Indigenous communities.