Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Geography & Environmental Studies
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Dr. Andrew Spring
Advisor Role
Oversight
Second Advisor
Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer
Advisor Role
oversight
Abstract
Northern Indigenous communities face disproportionate impacts from interconnected challenges related to climate change, food security, health, and cultural preservation, that threaten traditional food systems and practices. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of community-driven solutions, existing frameworks fail to integrate Indigenous values and local priorities effectively. This research addresses this gap by exploring how the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation (KTFN) is responding to these crises through climate change adaptation efforts focused on food system sustainability as a pathway to self-sufficiency and community well-being. To contribute to these efforts, this dissertation uses Participatory Action Research to facilitate community-driven planning and action intended to improve access to healthy foods, foster knowledge-sharing, create employment opportunities, and encourage engagement in local food governance. This research introduces a novel framework, the Community Agroecological Values Framework (CAVF), which integrates the Community Capitals Framework and Agroecology to prioritize Dene values in the planning process. I characterize Kakisa’s food system, map traditional food-sharing networks, and identify critical resources and synergies to strengthen community and regional food systems. Findings highlight the contributions of Kakisa’s traditional food-sharing networks in supporting food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and social cohesion, while identifying barriers such as resource limitations and governance misalignments. This work provides recommendations for fostering sustainable food systems in northern communities by integrating traditional and modern practices, regional collaboration, and systemic change. Future research should focus on enhancing governance structures, strategies for building local capacity, and fostering regional partnerships to ensure long-term viability.
Recommended Citation
Temmer, Jennifer K., "INTEGRATING INDIGENOUS VALUES AND COMMUNITY STRENGTHS TO ACHIEVE INDIGENOUS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING IN THE KA’A’GEE TU FIRST NATION, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES" (2025). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2829.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2829
Convocation Year
2025
Convocation Season
Fall
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Food Security Commons, Food Studies Commons, Human Geography Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Sustainability Commons