Indigenizing Food Systems Impact Outcomes
Indigenizing Food Systems
Students in the Indigenizing Food Systems Lab partnered with faculty from the American Indian Studies program and the School of Sustainability to grapple with issues and questions regarding food sovereignty and Indigenous health and learn about the intersections of food sustainability and food sovereignty.
Student Outcomes
Life of the Salt River
Using what they learned throughout their course, a team of three deeply immersed conservation biology and sustainability students designed a website that features an engaging story map that will take you on a virtual journey through the history and culture of the Salt River. The maps show how Huhugam canals were once present in the Salt River Valley and depicts the current canal system of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Explore stunning photos, informative text, and interactive maps as you learn from the student's outcome project, about the river's history and its unique place in American culture. View the website here.
Pueblos: An Indigenous Food and Restaurant Magazine
Six students joined their academic knowledges and personal networks to create and design a magazine that highlights the remarkable efforts of two Valley chefs who are passionately preserving Indigenous culinary practices. Delving into the challenges faced in the restaurant industry, this magazine unravels the captivating narrative of Arizona's vibrant Indigenous food scene. Prepare to be inspired by the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness woven into every page of "Pueblos." Access a digital copy of the magazine here.
Supply Chain
Through meticulous analysis, this team delved deep into the intricacies of ASU's environment, aiming to honor the Indigenous heritage of the land and its original stewards. With innovative and culturally sensitive prospective solutions, they presented a transformative vision that aligns the campus landscape with Indigenous principles and practices. The outcome was a well-rounded report articulating these core concepts and ideas.
Edible Landscapes
Embark on a captivating journey as you view this dedicated student team's drives to San Carlos Apache, immersing themselves in the Indigenous food systems of the community. With a deep commitment to seeking to understand and document the rich traditions, these students spent an entire day engaging with farmers, conversing with local experts, and experiencing firsthand the intricacies of Indigenous food practices. The outcome of this transformative experience is a beautifully crafted brochure that captures the essence of their time spent with the San Carlos Apache community.
Being with Water
2 students came together for the "Being With Water" outcome which challenges the Phoenix Metro Area settler audience to rethink their relationship with water by viewing the Salt River as a sentient being. Through a zine, stickers, and audio elements, the project immerses readers and listeners in the interconnectedness between humans and the river. "Being With Water" aims to transform attitudes towards water and cultivate an appreciation for its inherent value and rights by stimulating conversations, evoking emotions, and fostering empathy. View the outcome here.
Climate Change: Arctic to Desert
The team created a 2-3 episode podcast (with video footage), posters and stickers, that brings Indigenous perspectives to the conversation about food systems and their relationship to climate change and health. Our project seeks to highlight indigenous perspectives, contemporary adaptation strategies, and practices from Indigenous people as well as the impacts colonization has had on Indigenous food systems. adaptation solutions to address these issues, such as indigenizing food systems.
Impact Outcome Stickers
This section showcases an array of captivating stickers crafted by the different groups as part of their impact outcomes.
Inside the Lab
The semester was a dynamic blend of impactful student presentations, insightful guest collaboration sessions on the Lab foci, and a delightful feast of Indigenous cuisine, creating a truly memorable and enriching experience for all.
Grants
In order to earn the funds needed to develop the aforementioned projects, many of our Indigenizing Food Systems students applied for and received Seize the Moment grant funding. Learn more about the student-team grant recipients:
– Addie Hegde, Brandy Rios, Brian Mecinas, Gabriel Sheppard, Maddie Kirk and Maggie Throop were awarded an Amplifier Mini-Grant for their Arizona Indigenous Food and Restaurant Magazine outcome.
– Dana Fickel and Sasha Park were awarded an Amplifier Mini-Grant for their Being with Water outcome.
– Ayden Clytus, Bailey Selover, Jazmin Nuñez, Priscilla Frankson and Sydney McKenna were awarded an Amplifier Mini-Grant for their Climate Change: Arctic to Desert outcome.
– Ciera Parkhurst, Elora and Zac Whaley were awarded an Amplifier Mini-Grant for their Life of the Salt River outcome.
Media Coverage
ASU News. Sage Family Scholarship supports student's study of coral reef fisheries in Indonesia. By: Dominique Perkins (May 17, 2023)
Collaborative Partners
- Twila Cassadore (San Carlos Apache)