Indigenous Gardens and Food Justice

In this Capstone, we will work with several community partners, including collaborating with the “Let's Build It Cully Park!” initiative, Portland Parks & Rec, NAYA (Native American Youth & Family Assn.) and Latino organizations Hacienda and Verde.  Class time will focus on issues of food security, significance of cultural/traditional foods, and community involvement in civic affairs.  We will examine impacts of colonization on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the indigenous people of North America; we’ll look at land management policies and the re-emergence of Indigenous practices with land, water, and food systems management for urban and reservation Native communities.We will explore food systems and their role in addressing community health and social justice. Students will participate in hands-on gardening activities and develop materials or conduct research to assist in the design, promotion, understanding and management of urban gardens, including the 20,000 sq. ft. Tribal Gathering Garden slated for Cully Park in northeast Portland. Permaculture principles and indigenous land ethics will guide our process.  Students will explore relationship-building, creative place-based projects, and analysis of current issues facing Native American communities.  Some scheduled class meetings take place off campus, so please schedule accordingly. Some outdoor work and additional service time outside of class is required.