Relationships with Non-Human Life in Local Foodscapes in Ontario 

This study includes seasonal conversations with those working in local foodspaces (in Kitchener-Waterloo and Kenora) in ways that also embed care and support for other-than-human life. Through their stories and seasonal experiences, this study seeks to learn about their experiences and living well with other life within local food systems and to bring their stories to community and academic conversations.  Photography and creative writing are embedded as part of the process and the outcomes of the year-long study. 

Research Summary:

This research is a qualitative seasonal study of 18 participants interviewed between the equinoxes and solstices from Spring 2024 to Winter 2025 (67 interviews). These adult participants in Kitchener-Waterloo (8) and Kenora (10), Ontario are navigating efforts to support local ecology while growing and harvesting plants and eggs to feed themselves and their communities. These interviews were ‘go-along’, which meant that we moved, walked, worked, and explored together during our conversations. This work brings a more-than-human approach, that includes both human well-being and the well-being of all other life, which are closely intertwined, to consider approaches that address multiple challenges including biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and climate change. 

Throughout interviews, I also acted as a photographer,  with photos acting as field notes and memory prompts for participants as well as valued mementos. These photos will be further included in presentations, academic writing, and creative work. In the spring of 2025, participatory workshops will bring participants together to plan and explore knowledge mobilization possibilities to bring their experiences into their communities.  Through academic and community work, this research explores shifting challenges, joys, and tensions of sharing space with other-than-human life within the local food systems Ontario.