Key Terms
While we realize that some of the language may be new to some, we believe it is important to use terms that express the complexities and nuances of food in the Bow Valley. The surrounding definitions are some of the key terms we believe are important to introduce and use within our community. We also want to note that all of these terms came from community members during the community conversations.
Food Systems:
Include all of the different steps it takes to get food from the farm/ocean/forest/plains to plate to waste.
Food Sovereignty:
Is a transnational movement that advocates for communities’ ability to determine what their food systems look like.
Reconciliation:
As defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as the “ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships” including learning how to live together through sharing, gathering, talking and changing day-to-day actions in a meaningful way.
Ecological Regeneration:
Occurs when food systems foster biodiversity, enrich soil, improve watersheds, and enrich ecosystems.
The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration
Is one of the largest modern treaties. It highlights the necessity of conversation, culture, economics, health, education, and research in relation to upholding the Buffalo as the foundational way of life.
Food Charter:
Is a set of principles outlined by a community that articulates what they want their food systems to look like, including how they grow, harvest, process, distribute, prepare, eat and dispose of their food.
Indigenous Knowledges:
Are based in relationships and value place-based, lived, emotional, and spiritual ways of being and knowing.
