The Restorative Justice Project has observed that the SAP has the potential to participate in an ongoing fight to address and dismantle colonization and settler harm. Colonization’s first harm was in appropriation of native lands, proceeding to cause destruction to every critical aspect to the identity and survival of indigenous nations, locally, from the Anishinaabeg Three Fires Confederacy which is composed of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. Grand Valley resides on land originally stewarded by these native nations but does not show respects to the unconsented land use. Implementing a project that tackles this issue would develop and foster community relationships, encourage cultural inclusivity and community awareness of spaces, as well as restore native ecology at the SAP.

The design thinking model was the assigned method for the course to use. However, this model reflects a colonial way of thinking, assuming that knowledge must be pioneered, disregarding ancient indigenous wisdom. Therefore, aspects of the design thinking model were adjusted to fit with sacred indigenous knowledge that has existed for centuries. Meetings were held with representatives from both the Native American Student Association (NASA) and the SAP Farm Club to discuss the logistics of implementing and maintaining an indigenous food and medicinal garden for GVSU’s Native American students.

Created by:

Christa Fernando - fernanch@mail.gvsu.edu

Ali Townsend - townsali@mail.gvsu.edu

Kilian Roach - roachk@mail.gvsu.edu