Our Team

Miwa values working collaboratively with learners, teachers, community partners, and families toward a (partially) shared visions. Miwa is grateful for amazing colleagues (including student colleagues) and all the wonderful collaborators for the Soil Camp project. Miwa’s name was given by her grandmother who grew up on a Japanese rural farm and later became a wartime nurse during WWII; it means “embodying peace.” Miwa’s grandmother’s knowledge about growing plants and her hope for peace has always been Miwa’s inspiration.

More about: https://miwatakeuchi.com/

..Dr. Kori Czuy ᒥᐦᑯᐱᐦᐁᓯᐤ, was born in Treaty 8 by the banks of the Peace River. She’s passionate about bringing together multiple ways of knowing, being, and doing science, which she gets to do as an Indigenous Science Educational Experience Consultant and through conversations on her podcast “Ancestral Science” on Spotify. Koriis on an ongoing journey to reconnect with and learn from the knowings of the land, as well as helping others connect with the complexities of these knowings alongside Global science.

..His research interests cover a range of topics related to soil science such as interactions between soil life and the broader environment, development of analytical methods in soil science, community engagement for soil education and assessing impacts of human activities on soil.
Currently, he is responsible for teaching the introductory and senior level soils courses for students within the Environmental Science Program.

…where the research team is developing an integrated farm model utilizing the regenerative agriculture and agroecological principles to explore opportunities for a more local food system, use agriculture to address environmental problems and local food needs, and model sustainability.

…weaves together diverse strands of inquiry, ranging from the evolution of values, sustainability issues, and politics of knowledge to exploring the mechanisms underlying the development of grounded knowledge and collective forms of civic action. 

Deborah is always looking for ideas and collaborations to co-design culturally inclusive and responsive spaces that facilitate learning of the interconnections between ecology and well-being through land-based pedagogies. An avid gardener, she enjoys collecting seeds, stories and recipes. Her other literary rambles can be accessed at https://linktr.ee/deborahdutta.

..situated in identity and language, marginalized learners’ educational experiences, leveraging lived and intergenerational knowledges in disciplinary spaces, social justice, and equity in education with a specific focus on experiences of refugee children within educational spaces. Sophia’s associations and position with and within community(s) has shaped the ways in which she has approached her research, community engagement, and educational practice. 

…Anita personally enjoys crafting, painting, and sculpting with her two young daughters at home. She is an avid reader and tea connoisseur. She also loves going on outdoor adventures with her family! She feels most at peace in the mountains or near the ocean.

Anita’s passion for food justice and community gardening started while she was growing up in British Columbia. She regularly tended community garden beds with her family and attended international conferences on food justice during her high school years. Her particular interests are in the field of arts integration, engaged pedagogy, and land-based learning. She is currently pursuing a MA in Learning Sciences under the mentorship of Dr. Miwa Takeuchi to focus on the arts as critical transdisciplinary pedagogy.

.. In her studies, there have recently been discussions concerning qualitative and quantitative research. In her field of study, data collecting, confidentiality, collaboration, and maintaining ethics are all crucial research tactics. Not to mention the need to be knowledgeable about Indigenous scientific research and democratic procedures. She likes learning and developing her knowledge in new areas most of all.

Afoke Oyibocha is an avid sports lover who appreciates volleyball and weightlifting. She has always enjoyed sports but has recently reignited her enthusiasm after a brief hiatus. She also consumes plant-based meals; therefore, the issue of soil is of particular interest to her given the importance of agriculture in her diet. Her culture is very important to her; thus, she creates veganized Nigerian food on a regular basis. Afoke is also quite committed in various diaspora organisations in Calgary. She is passionate about both previous and present feminist initiatives and ideologies.

She is passionate about hearing diverse voices and representing global perspectives through her work. She is inspired by the stories and teachings of her father and grandmother, which provided opportunities for learning beyond the school curriculum. She hopes to co-design learning spaces that are immersed in a sense of joy and narrow the divide between home and school. She is very excited to be a part of the soil camp and learn along with her colleagues, participants, the land, and more than humans.

… to humanitarianism, with a vision to elevate public healthcare and food security in Africa. 

Beyond her academic pursuits, Bezawit finds solace in nature and  enjoys going on afternoon walks to the park while listening to music during her free time. She also values quality time spent with family and friends..  

Her journey in community service began as a summer camp leader during her high school years at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. Bezawit actively contributed to crafting culturally sensitive programs for refugees and newly arrived immigrant youth. Recognizing the dearth of resources for children and youth with special needs, she co-founded “Camp Unstoppable” to foster inclusivity and provide a platform for individuals with shared experiences.

Furthermore, Bezawit has been actively engaged in the Soil Camp Research for three years, where she appreciated observing how both refugees and indigenous people connected over the land and shared experiences. While acknowledging her limited knowledge of the country’s history, Bezawit is dedicated to furthering her understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing.