Statement of Responsibility

Statement of Responsibility

LR De Souza-Kenney

 

Nutrition and Food Literacy across Canada can only truly be achieved by

conducting ourselves with openness, humility, and love. Our receptivity to new ideas, novel approaches, and ‘systems thinking’ offers the possibility of innovation and sustainability. 

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As we journey together and welcome all people and organizations toward the goal of ensuring that nutrition and food literacy is part of our Canadian culture, beginning with a reliable, community partnered, co-created curriculum for all teachers’ colleges and in all Canadian K-12 schools, we must hold constant a commitment to taking care of each other. 

 

We can root ourselves in the wisdom and truths of the Seven Grandfather 

Teachings of love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom  

(https://empoweringthespirit.ca/cultures-of-belonging/seven-grandfathers-teachings/). We must also enact and actually practice, beyond mere statements: equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI). To do this EDI work sincerely, is to actively dismantle oppressive beliefs and practices, and to celebrate our diverse cultures and traditions. In all things big and small, we must proudly hold dear our demonstration of deep respect for all persons. 

 

We have the profound opportunity to observe a mindset and work ethic that is committed to the Seventh Generation Principle: "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations" (https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/seventh-generation-principle#:~:text=The%20Seventh%20Generation%20Principle%20is,seven%20generations%20into%20the%20future). 

 

What we learn today, may change tomorrow. What we think is 

right/true/accurate/good today, may evolve tomorrow.  Therefore, how we conduct ourselves in the work of nutrition and food, health and education, must be done with patience, care, and a commitment to understanding our biases, assumptions, and the influences -apparent or subtle- that constantly act on us through the systems, institutions, colonization, racism, and prejudices around us. 

 

Our bodies, cultures, and communities are unique, to be celebrated and not forced into contrived definitions and parameters. Our understanding of terminology and language is constantly changing as we learn. Ultimately, for all the uncertainty and flux we find ourselves experiencing as learners, we have a certain responsibility: when we know better, we do better.