October 2023

2023

Environmental Contaminants Research

  • Concerns around environmental contaminants—particularly glyphosate spraying—were raised during the 2022 food sovereignty assessment. In response, graduate student Liz Lovell from Lakehead University conducted a literature review, presented at the 2023 Fall Gathering. This work led to a collaborative research project between Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA), Lakehead University, and the Understanding Our Food Systems project, funded by the First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program (ISC).
  • In 2024, a sharing circle with AZA community members highlighted key concerns:
  • Decline in plants and animals in sprayed areas, limiting access to traditional foods
  • Contamination impacts on waterways, animals, berries, and medicines
  • Animals appearing diseased and food losing traditional qualities
  • Reduced land access leading to fewer opportunities for youth to learn land-based teachings

Findings were shared at the 2024 Fall Gathering. A full report, video, graduate thesis, and other materials will be released in 2025.

related resource(s)

PHOTOS GALLERY

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