Decolonizing Food

This year, I switched from a propane BBQ to charcoal grilling. I chose it because it is slow and it is an event. First, I build a little fire using twigs and paper I have gathered. Then I add my wood charcoal chunks. Finally, I spend the rest of the day cooking vegetables and meat. It gives me time to teach my kids, to thank the food itself, to talk with Creator and the other creatures that flit through our backyard space. Time and space and place. Relationship and gratitude. 

My great grandfather trapped and showed us about cleaning and skinning. I have hunted and fished but not done so lately. Though our family has been practicing foraging or gathering. We grow grapes and harvest those. We gather dandelion greens and plantain. We make syrups and jellies from many of the edible flowers in our urban space. We even try to gather fruit from urban trees that is not being eaten by others. I would like to try an urban sugar bush project.

You never take the first or the last. You always thank the plant and honour their life. You return to a home owner with a jar of syrup or jelly that you made as a thank you. You share what you made with friends and neighbours. 

I am learning and growing. I do not know it all. Indigenous Elders teach me things. I try to walk in a Good Way. I know I am not indigenous, but I am Acadian and I am on this journey of decolonization. Food is a big part of that journey. Where does the food come from? How does it get to us? Who makes decisions about it before it arrives? What is the price and what is the cost? Who does not have access to food and why? Who eats with whom?