Sowing Seeds of Equity: Reflections from the Farm and the Classroom

Grade 12 student Maddie Arbo ’25 reflects on her experience in Ms. Brown’s Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice class at LCS. After spending much of Mod 1 in Colombia with the Round Square group, Maddie returned just in time to witness her classmates' final presentations—a powerful showcase of their learning and dedication to creating positive change. Guided by an assessment tool, Maddie captured her unique perspective in a heartfelt article, offering insights into the passion, empathy, and awareness that drive her peers’ commitment to social justice. Her writing beautifully highlights the impact of witnessing real-world activism in action and learning from her classmates’ journeys.

In today’s Equity and Social Justice class, the crops presented—ground cherries, watermelon, tomatoes, leeks, corn, and cucamelons—weren’t just plants, but symbols of deeper discussions about sustainability and Indigenous knowledge. Each crop carried with it stories of origin, cultural significance, and lessons about how we interact with the land and its resources. These crops helped illuminate the connection between food sovereignty and justice, connecting them to broader conversations about power, access, and community.

Four terms that really grounded today’s presentations and discussions were food security, food justice, Indigenous food sovereignty, and regenerative farming. Each concept intertwines with the crops my classmates chose, offering a framework for understanding how we navigate systems of privilege and oppression through food.

Two moments today particularly stood out to me. The first was when Tessa ’25 explained the significance of the leek dip recipe she left behind for us. This recipe wasn’t just a simple dish—it was a gateway to understanding the history of leeks, their connection to Indigenous food sovereignty, and the slow, intentional process of harvesting wild leeks sustainably. She explained these elements thoughtfully and her stories about Indigenous culture and its connection to her crop inspired me greatly and made me appreciate leeks on an entirely different level. Tasting the delicious dish became an embodied learning experience, reminding us of how food connects us to our history and culture.

The second moment was Oceane ’25’s drawing of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—which grow symbiotically in Indigenous farming traditions. Her artwork illustrated the interdependent nature of these crops, a metaphor for the balance we seek in equity and social justice work. The beauty of her drawing, paired with the story behind the crops, left me feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge passed down through generations about the natural world. Additionally, her gesture of borrowing a book from the library and providing quotes demonstrated her passion and commitment to her project. It hasn't left my mind since.

At the start of this course, my understanding of social justice and food systems was fairly shallow; I thought of food justice in terms of "equal access" but didn’t yet grasp the systemic and historical depth of the issue. I viewed food primarily as a resource, not fully understanding how cultural, environmental, and economic forces shape the ways communities interact with food.

Today, after learning about the Indigenous food sovereignty movement and hearing stories like those of the wild leeks and the Winooski River, I now see food as a living connection to history, culture, and power. One moment of joy came during Thursday’s discussion of the Seven Grandfathers Teachings, where the value of respect was central. I realized that to truly respect the land and its resources, I must not only learn how to use them but also understand the cultural knowledge embedded in their care. This shift—from knowledge to wisdom—felt like opening a door to a deeper, more connected way of living. I felt privileged to have access to a beautiful farm that grows all organic food, and felt a surge of gratitude and newfound perspective when observing the farm.

The presentations today also brought me back to the Round Square trip to Colombia, where I saw how Indigenous traditions have long sustained local communities. Just as we learned about the importance of crops here, in Colombia, I witnessed how people cherish and protect native plants like yuca and coca. The deep respect for the land and the knowledge of sustainable practices among Indigenous communities in Leticia resonated strongly with the themes of Indigenous food sovereignty that were discussed today. 

Both experiences taught me that true sustainability requires a cultural shift in how we relate to the earth, not just technical solutions. I felt just as connected to the land and its history within this class as I did standing in the middle of the Amazon...what a truly special feeling!

Our visit to Northcote, where organic food is grown and distributed locally, also left an unerasable impression on us as students. Some of what we “left behind” symbolized the lessons we’ve learned: Tessa ’25’s leek dip recipe, Oceane ’25’s drawing of the Three Sisters, a painted rock with “cucamelons” thoughtfully inscribed by Avery ’25, and posters about watermelons and ground cherries. These small tokens represent not only our knowledge but also our gratitude and intention to care for the land as we move forward.

 

Leaving behind these symbols of learning feels like an offering to the farm, much like the tobacco left behind by Indigenous people when harvesting wild leeks. It signifies our commitment to ethical stewardship, to valuing the interconnectedness of the ecosystems we are part of, and to deepening our understanding of equity through food justice.

In conclusion, today’s presentations and the lessons from the farm have not only broadened my understanding of food security and justice but also helped me recognize the importance of honouring and sustaining the cultural practices that have preserved this knowledge. Through food, we not only nourish our bodies but also our minds and spirits, grounding our actions in gratitude, respect, and justice.