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Decolonizing Research Symposium

The Decolonizing Research Symposium was held May 13-15, 2025 bringing together students and researchers part of the Northern Sustainable Food Systems Research Group, the Future Harvest Partnership and the LCSFS. 

Day 1 focused on introductions to one another and project overivew. Training sessions focused on Knowledge Mobilization for and about Indigenous communities, and a session on non-violent communication. 

Day 2 was a deeper dive into northern projects with First Nations communities, starting with a training faciliated by the Centre for Indigeogy. During the afternoon participants learned about governance in the Northwest Territories and the impacts of agriculture as a tool for colonization. 

Day 3 provided participants with an understanding health and safety policies while in the field and a panel discussion on practical considerations when working in community. The day finished with a summer work planning session. 

a wide angle photo of a classroom with tables arranged in a u-shape, students are listening to a speaker who presents at the front of the room

Over the course of the 3 days students had the opportunity to present their research in a lightning talk. Presentations included:

  • Jane Marriotti - Characterizing soil fertility to support expanding agroecosystems within Denendeh, Northwest Territories
  • Jen Temmer - Relationships, cultural continuity, and food security: Contributions of Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation to the regional food system in Denendeh
  • Sanaa Hussain - Mapping Diabetes Pathways: Understanding Care Provision Paths and Management Practices for Women Living with Diabetes in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Northwest Territories
  • David Gillespie - How retailers could steal the NNC subsidy... if they wanted to
  • Calin Lazarescu - Bridging Top-Down Policy and Bottom-Up Community Initiatives Toward Sustainable Food Sytems in the NWT
  • Carla Johnston - Living with the Land into the Future: Using Global Agroecology Frameworks to Adapt Food Systems to Climate Change with Sambaa K’e First Nation & Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation
  • Jie-Soo Park - RoWing to Food Sovereignty: Building Inclusive Systems Analysis through Community Consultation 
  • Narayan Subramoniam - Community-driven changes for the story of the store in Sambaa K'e, Northwest Territories 
  • Danielle Bayne - Youth Perspectives on Developing a Sustainable Food Future in Sambaa K’e First Nation, NWT
  • Danielle Humphrey - Assessing Water Level Variability and Climate Adaptation in Kakisa, NWT
  • Susan Ombwori - Mapping Climate Risks, Strengthening Resilience: A Participatory Approach to Harvester Safety in Kakisa, NWT  
A student speaks at the front of a classroom they are wearing a hat and glasses standing in front of a podium               a student presents at the front of the classroom
 
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