Career Advancement Programme in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Activism
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm honored to have Dr. Maria Santiago, the lead instructor of the Career Advancement Programme in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Activism. Dr. Santiago, thank you for joining us. GUEST: Thanks for having me, I'm excited to be here! HOST: Could you share a bit about your personal experiences and insights that led you to create this course? GUEST: Absolutely, as an Indigenous woman and a food justice advocate, I've seen firsthand the struggles our communities face in reclaiming our food systems. This course is born out of a desire to empower our youth and allies with the necessary skills. HOST: That's powerful. What current trends do you see in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Activism? GUEST: There's a growing recognition of the importance of traditional agriculture and the role it plays in both environmental sustainability and cultural resilience. HOST: And what challenges have you faced or observed while teaching this subject? GUEST: One major challenge is addressing the systemic barriers that prevent many Indigenous people from accessing quality education and resources. We work to overcome this by creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. HOST: That's a significant challenge. Looking to the future, where do you see this area heading? GUEST: I'm optimistic. With more people becoming aware of food justice issues, I believe we'll see a surge in community-led initiatives that prioritize Indigenous knowledge and practices. HOST: Dr. Santiago, thank you for your time and for the work you're doing to empower future leaders in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Activism. GUEST: My pleasure, thank you for having me!
