Indigenous Gardens and Food Justice

American Indian and Alaska Native communities are suffering from the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the country. This capstone will examine impacts of colonization on local and traditional foods, health and land management policies and the re-emergence of Indigenous practices with land, water, and food systems management. Revitalization of food sovereignty by reservation and urban Native American communities to reclaim health and address historical trauma will be central to student work. In collaboration with Oregon tribal communities, students will participate in the site assessment and design of edible and medicinal gardens at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde reservation, one hour west of Portland.