Disrupting for African Nova Scotian Food Sovereignty
February 27, 2024Wendie Wilson is a mother, educator, artist, writer, community advocate and a member of the African Nova Scotian and Black Food Sovereignty working group for the Halifax region’s JustFood Action Plan, alongside registered dietitian Nickaya Parris. In this episode, Wendie and Nickaya provide a window into the transformative work happening to advance community-rooted food sovereignty action in Nova Scotia. Listen to this episode to learn about the food sovereignty movement and why it matters for public health.
Guests
Wendie L. Wilson is a mother, educator, artist, writer, and cultural advocate. Born and raised in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Wendie is a descendant of African Nova Scotians who have history in the province for 400+ years. Currently Wendie is an Executive Staff Officer BIPOC Engagement and Advocacy with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, part-time instructor in the BEd program at Mount Saint Vincent University and a co-founder of the African Nova Scotian Freedom School. She has a passion for food culture and food sovereignty and enjoys her work with Food Secure Canada, Halifax’s African Nova Scotian and Black Food Sovereignty Working Group, the PanCanadian Black Food Sovereignty Network, the Indigenous and Black Food Sovereignty Advisory Circle, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food NS.
Born and raised in the Community of Uniacke Square, Northend Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nickaya Parris is a recognized role model within the African Nova Scotian community, who allows her passion for nutrition, healthcare, and underserved communities to lead her daily. Currently working at the Population Public Health level as a Food Security Policy Analyst for the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia, Nickaya is also a Registered Dietitian and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Food Science and Certificate in Food Security from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition & Dietetics with a Clinical Nutrition Specialization from the University of Toronto.
Episode Credits
Production for this episode was led by host Bernice Yanful, with contributions from Carolina Jimenez, Rebecca Cheff, and Pemma Muzumdar (NCCDH). The Mind the Disruption project team is led by Rebecca Cheff, with technical production and original music by Chris Perry. Promotion by Caralyn Vossen (NCCDH). Artwork by comet art + design.
Sound credits: Clips used “RoomTone_TrafficJam.wav” by “TMPZ_1” is licensed under CC BY 3.0 and Food Secure Canada.