Feeding settler colonialism: Sarah Rotz, Lauren Wood Kepkiewicz, ‘Settler colonialism and the (im)possibilities of a national food policy’, Canadian Food Studies, 5, 3, 2018, pp. 248–258 | settler colonial studies blog

Feeding settler colonialism: Sarah Rotz, Lauren Wood Kepkiewicz, ‘Settler colonialism and the (im)possibilities of a national food policy’, Canadian Food Studies, 5, 3, 2018, pp. 248–258

07Oct18

Abstract: In this perspectives piece we ask: is it possible for a national food policy to form the foundation for sustainable and equitable food systems in Canada? First, we argue that under the current settler government, such a policy does not provide this foundation. Second, we consider what might be possible within the scope of a national food policy, examining our responsibilities as settlers to hold our government accountable so policies do not further exacerbate food system inequities. To mitigate some of the harmful effects of current food-related policy, we offer several suggestions regarding how settlers might begin to rethink our investments in the Canadian state and settler food systems: 1) repatriate land and transform private property structures; 2) support Indigenous food provisioners; and 3) build knowledge and support for non-extractive relationships. These suggestions will not decolonize a national food policy; rather, they present short-term actions that we urge settlers to advocate for in order to address some of the ways the Canadian government attempts to restrict Indigenous food systems.

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