An Indigenous Relational Meaning of Food System, One to Challenge the Dominant Meaning

• In Event: Earth Relationalities: Indigenous Ecologies and Environmentalisms

Abstract

If we accept the premise that Western science and Indigenous knowledge systems are fundamentally incommensurable, with limited or no overlap, then there are certain objectives that we can pursue. One set of objectives would be to unify the knowledge systems where possible in order to address the food crisis and other lingering crises. The other set of objectives would be to fully hear those voices that have long been marginalized. If we view the latter as a means of liberating oppressed peoples, we can view the former as a means of prolonging the colonial project. The monolithic understanding of the dominant food system treats food, seeds, and land solely as commodities that move through mass production and a supply chain as either inputs or outputs or both. The economic goal is to protect this reality in the name of sustainability and resilience. Consider that Indigenous food systems, in contrast, must be restored. It would be far more fruitful to articulate and then compare these systems ontologically. At minimum, three distinct meanings can be derived for a food system – one dominant Western dualist model, one Indigenous relational view, and a third, liminal space. Bartlett (2012) and Ludwig et. al. (2023) agree that the middle space can be a means to collaboration. But the more important first step is establishing a permanent equal standing for the peoples whose cultures are still being erased. My study combines critical and positive discourse analysis on the seed sovereignty dialogue. The results show that conflict - based on structures of inclusion and exclusion - defines the Western dominant model while mutual care and respect - based on traditions of meaning-making - are what allow Indigenous food systems to endure. To be fed, one must belong. One major implication is that such systems cannot be made to be commensurable.

Author

• Daniel Yuhasz, University of Missouri-Columbia