Sovereign at heart: photovoice, food mapping and giving back in Alberni-Clayoquot

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reflects on a year-long project that used both photovoice and food asset mapping methods in the Alberni-Clayoquot Region of British Columbia, Canada. Following others who emphasize reciprocation in research and the application of a heart-centered approach, this work had a two-fold purpose: 1) to give back to the community in which the researcher lived and worked, and 2) to create visual material and food policy guidance for the community. The photovoice project involved participants who were growers, processors, harvesters and/or foragers of food and resulted in multiple exhibitions of their work as well as a photobook distributed within the community. Alongside these, two separate food mapping sessions were completed with 42 participants which demonstrated that many residents associated food with human health, regional ecology, localization, production methods, social relations, economics, and spirit (metaphysics). We found these associations with food appear to indicate that many envision increasing regional food production by means of increasing food sovereignty. Our results (1) confirm that the research methods of photovoice and food asset mapping complement each other, (2), demonstrate the worth of giving back and the importance of a heart-centered approach to food systems’ research and change, (3) substantiate claims that the “Seven Pillars of Food Sovereignty” transcend borders and apply within Canada.