The Poor Prole’s Almanac
Decolonizing Food Systems: Embracing Relational Accountability and Community Engagement with Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz
Mar 11, 2025
Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz, a community-based researcher dedicated to equitable food systems, discusses the transformative power of relational accountability. She delves into how Indigenous perspectives challenge conventional academic norms, emphasizing food sovereignty and the impacts of land dispossession. The conversation highlights the RARE Collective's mission to bridge gaps between Indigenous and settler farmers. They explore the importance of building trust for difficult discussions and the role of the Community Food Sovereignty Hub in fostering impactful connections.
43:46
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Lauren Kepkiewicz emphasizes the need for relational accountability to challenge traditional academic norms and prioritize Indigenous knowledges in food systems.
- The podcast highlights the importance of addressing historical injustices related to land dispossession to foster equitable and inclusive food practices.
Deep dives
Exploring Food Sovereignty
Food sovereignty emphasizes the right of communities to control their own food systems, allowing them to produce culturally appropriate food. The podcast discusses the tension between settler communities determining food systems on Indigenous lands and acknowledges the historical injustices related to settler agriculture. It highlights that while local food movements often focus on agriculture, they must also consider Indigenous traditions of hunting, fishing, and gathering as vital components of food systems. Understanding and addressing these complexities is essential for building equitable and inclusive food practices that respect Indigenous rights and histories.
