Conference 2022 Panel Recap - "Keynote: The State of Sustainability"

Brett Campeau, Cynthia Westaway, Melissa Gorie, Richard Butler, and Fawn Jackson all provided unique perspectives on questions based in sustainable practices, sustainable food systems, and the challenges that our current food system poses to sustainability.

Brett Campeau and Cynthia Westaway

For Brett and Cynthia, sustainability is guided by what they have been taught by their clients. Sustainability is using traditional knowledge held by Indigenous communities in the governance of food systems, and recognizing the struggles of Indigenous nations in remote areas of Canada. A sustainable food system needs to be traditional, diverse, and modern.

Brett and Cynthia also identify the barriers that colonialism has erected around creating a sustainable food system for Indigenous communities. A sustainable system protects the network of activities and relationships of those creating our food and promotes a deeper connection with the rest of creation, especially for Indigenous communities. However, as Indigenous communities lose control over their traditional lands, they can no longer protect their sources of food and must rely on the insufficient, colonial food system.

Melissa Gorie

Melissa Gorie pointed out how the academic and practical definitions of sustainability vary, but, for her it is important that we have an intersectional approach. The recognition of social justice issues is crucial, especially in relation to Indigenous sovereignty, food rights, and the impacts of colonialism. A holistic approach also requires considering what the laws of nature permit and an understanding that we are all interconnected.

To create a sustainable food system, Melissa says we need to go to the route causes of our faulty system. She says the colonial perspective that places humans above nature and prioritizes economic benefits is incompatible with a reciprocal and harmonized food system. Changing our perspective is necessary to developing a system that supports everyone, not just white settlers.

Richard Butler

Richard says that we can use the three pillars of sustainability and guidance from the United Nations to determine what sustainability may be, but more simply put, he sees a sustainable system as one that thinks globally but acts locally. While we enjoy our large food brands, local systems that reflect the abilities of that region are necessary. Canada is also a diverse nation, so Richard believes our food system should reflect that as well.

As for pressing challenges in the way of achieving his ideal food system, Richard noted that current infrastructures in Canada, such as the differing waste management processes in provinces, can limit the success of sustainable innovations. Without updating our infrastructure, it will be increasingly difficult to implement crucial sustainable practices in the food system.

Fawn Jackson

While working with dairy farmers, Fawn witnessed the frustration of other farmers when terms like sustainability were used, as this term is often associated with prioritizing the environment while ignoring the lack of economic viability associated with certain “sustainable” farming practices.

Fawn says that it is essential to recognize the economy as a key player in a sustainable food system. Additionally, a sustainable system must include diverse agriculture that is region appropriate and must educate consumers on long-term sustainability, which can include extensive agriculture.