LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I want to take a moment to reflect on the land that sustains us, not just as a physical resource but as a vital part of our shared history and cultural identity. At Refugee Garden Initiatives (RGI), we recognize that the land we cultivate holds a legacy that stretches far beyond our own presence—a legacy rooted in the stewardship of the Anishinaabe peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Bodewadmi, who have cared for these lands for countless generations.

We acknowledge that the land we now farm was taken from its original caretakers through the painful process of colonization. As we work to expand our production and secure more land to support refugee families, we are committed to honoring this history and ensuring our actions contribute to healing and restoration rather than causing further harm.

Our mission is grounded in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, which honors the earth as a life-giving force. By practicing these methods, we strive to restore the land’s health and vitality for future generations. This approach aligns with the wisdom and traditions of the Anishinaabe peoples, who have long understood the deep connection between land, culture, and community.

Refugees and Indigenous peoples share a history of displacement and loss—being uprooted from their homelands and separated from the land that sustains them. This shared experience underscores the importance of our work at RGI, where we aim to create a space of healing and empowerment through the cultivation of culturally appropriate foods and the respectful stewardship of the land.

Our commitment to a land acknowledgment is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a guiding principle for our work. We honor the original stewards of this land by adopting practices that respect the earth and strive to build relationships reflecting the values of reciprocity, respect, and care.

As we continue to grow and develop, we do so with a deep sense of responsibility to the land and the communities we serve. We are here not only to cultivate food but to nurture a connection to the land that honors its history and the people who have cared for it before us and whose homeland this still is.

Thank you for your continued support of RGI. Together, we can make a difference—one that honors the past, empowers the present, and nurtures the future.

Kindly, 

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Phimmasone Kym Owens, Founder/Executive Director