There is a growing emergence of Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) initiatives across urban centers within many regions of Canada. Urban Indigenous communities are leading these efforts to revitalize Indigenous foods and agricultural practices while promoting food security and increasing Land-based connections within cities. However, the socio-ecological environments within these urban contexts affect IFS initiatives in unique ways which have not been previously explored. This study addresses these gaps by drawing on qualitative interviews with seven urban Indigenous people leading IFS initiatives within Grand River Territory (situated within southern Ontario, Canada). Applying community-based participatory methods, this research explored how place impacts IFS initiatives within urban environments. Thematic analysis generated two overarching thematic categories: Land access, and place-making practices, revealing a bi-directional, dynamic interaction between place and urban IFS initiatives. Relationships with landowners, control of land, and external factors determined how Land was accessed in urban environments. Place-making practices involved fostering relationships with Land, upholding responsibilities, and cultivating Land-based knowledges. Therefore, IFS initiatives are impacted by Land access, but also facilitate place-making for urban Indigenous Peoples. These findings demonstrate pathways towards Indigenous self-determination and IFS within urban contexts, which can be applicable to other urban Indigenous communities.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine an urban Indigenous food sharing initiative through an evaluation attending to the Food Share Initiative’s implementation and early outcomes. Methods: This project used a community-based participatory research methodology to guide an evaluation of process and initial outcomes. Storytelling methods including interviews and a sharing circle, which took place in July and August 2021, were used to create a relational context for the research team and project participants, which honour Indigenous research methodologies. Results: A total of 14 self-identifying Indigenous people participated in this evaluation. Initiative staff and Food Share recipients identified community relationships as a shared initiative experience that contributed to the wholistic health effects experienced by recipients. All participants recognized capacity limitations of both Food Share recipients and operational staff were important constraints to the initiative’s process and implementation. Participant recommendations to improve the Food Share included enhanced outreach to involve other Indigenous community members as well as infrastructure like long-term funding and a central location to strengthen the initiative’s operational capacity. Conclusion: As an important community food support, the Food Share’s relational care approach fosters a meaningful and wholistic sense of nourishment for Indigenous community members in the Waterloo-Wellington Region.