Vandana Shiva, celebrated food sovereignty activist made February 29^th a day of inspiration, dialogue and calls for action on food security and resilient communities.

Dr. Shiva spent the day with local leaders working to improve food security in British Columbia’s Capital Region District. The events were sponsored by Harmony Foundation and co-hosted with LifeCycles Project Society and the University of Victoria’s Institute for Studies Innovation in Community University Engagement (ISICUE).

Her evening presentation inspired listeners with global examples of the community-led initiatives that can inform local efforts here in Victoria. Dr. Shiva highlighted the connections between climate change, inequality, loss of bio-diversity and food insecurity, as well as shared stories of communities responding creatively to these challenges.

Dr. Shiva’s depth of knowledge and insight around the industrial food system was incredibly informative, and her stories about the resilience of organic agro-ecosystems and the power of local initiatives brought people to their feet.

Moreover, her visit gave momentum to a host of local initiatives including:

1. an education campaign led by local growers at community markets
2. local municipalities and the CRD working with community members and the province to secure land for eco-agriculture
3. developing a coast-to-mountaintop sustainable local food strategy
4. a summit on eco-agriculture in 2017 coinciding with Canada’s 150^th anniversary

“Harmony sponsored this exciting visit,” said Michael Bloomfield, Founder and Executive Director, “because, along with our partners at LifeCycles and ISICUE, we recognize the critical importance of public participation in ensuring community stewardship over our food supply, and the imperative to respect the land, water and people that produce it.”

Participants responded enthusiastically to Dr. Shiva’s visit and invited her to return. She replied, “I look forward to returning to see your progress and to participating in Victoria’s efforts to become a leader in creating resilient communities.”

Vandana Shiva, globally renowned food sovereignty activist will be speaking to Victorians on February 29th, 2016 highlighting local food systems, ecosystems and community resilience. Co-hosts Harmony Foundation of Canada, LifeCycles Project Society and the University of Victoria’s Institute for Studies and Innovation in Community University Engagement (ISICUE), invite you to join this vital discussion at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.

“Harmony is sponsoring this exciting evening” said Michael Bloomfield, Founder and Executive Director, “because, along with our partners at LifeCycles and ISICUE, we recognize the critical importance of public participation in ensuring community stewardship over our food supply, and supporting the land and water and people that produce it.”

Shiva, a celebrated international speaker, will inspire listeners with global examples of the community-led initiatives that can inform local efforts here in Victoria. Shiva’s broad experience in food systems highlights the connections between climate change, poverty, gender inequality, loss of bio-diversity and food insecurity, as well as weaves stories of how communities respond creatively to these challenges.

“We’re thrilled to be co-hosting such an accomplished activist who brings a depth of knowledge and insight around the power of localized responses to the global industrialized food system and the resilience of organic agro-ecosystems,” says Maurita Prato, Director of LifeCycles. “We’re particularly excited for this event to catalyze communities here to keep asking questions around what actions we can be taking towards more sustainable local food systems.”

There will be time for questions from the audience and to hear about how you can connect with local, on-the-ground food initiatives in the Capital Region. A book signing will follow the public presentation– bring a Dr. Shiva’s publication to be signed!

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Purchase yours at www.tickets.uvic.ca, or 250-721-8480.

To learn more about this event, please visit lifecyclesproject.ca or https://www.facebook.com/events/958064100939189/