Program on the Environment

Cultural connection is one of the most significant protective factors for Indigenous people, supporting physical, mental, and emotional health. Indigenous students are largely underrepresented in sample studies and data only focuses on perceived “failures” such as high dropout rates and low graduation. The aim of this project was to evaluate the impact of participation in food sovereignty practices (FSPs) on the wellbeing of Indigenous students. Through my position as Food Sovereignty Liaison with wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ Intellectual House, I hosted and facilitated workshops for Indigenous students, collecting data using Indigenous Autoethnography after each session. I also conducted multiple qualitative interviews with faculty members who lead student-focused food sovereignty initiatives on campus. Results indicate that participation in FSPs positively impact the wellbeing of Indigenous students by fostering a sense of community and belonging, supporting individual cultural identity, and breaking down the hierarchies and expectations of Western academia in favor of uplifting Indigenous community values. Additionally, results show that FSPs are often not accessible to Indigenous students and community members, acting as a barrier to participation. These findings suggest that while FSPs and connection to place are vital in supporting wellbeing for Indigenous students, it is equally as important to have accessible Indigenous-centered spaces where students can engage in culture and community. In order to address the difficulties Indigenous students face in higher education, we must adapt spaces to incorporate Indigenous values, instead of expecting Indigenous students to change in order to succeed.