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