Mexico City, September 3, 2025.–The Universidad Panamericana its commitment to applied research and international cooperation with the successful completion of the project Indigenous Food Systems for Climate Justice, a tri-national academic initiative developed in collaboration with Kent State University (United States) and the University of Alberta (Canada).
The project, led by Dr. Salvador Rivas Aceves, professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences at the Mexico City campus, was supported by the 100K Strong in the Americas.
This initiative placed the fundamental role of indigenous food systems at the center of the discussion as a way to promote climate justice and the design of more inclusive and sustainable public policies.
Research in indigenous communities in Mexico and Canada
As an essential part of the project, students and professors from Panamericana traveled with their peers from Kent State University to Canada fromJune 8 to 15, 2025, where they carried out academic and research activities in indigenous communities inSaskatchewan and Alberta.
During the first few days, participants received specialized training incritical and indigenous social research methods, as well ascultural awareness. They also attended lectures given by experts infood policy and indigenous food sovereignty.
They then visitedindigenous government offices, community farms, schools, and cultural centers, where they conducted10 interviews with local producers and two with public policy makers. They also actively participated in agricultural work and cultural practices, which enriched their understanding of the relationship betweencultural preservation, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Shared results and reflections
The students led the analysis of the information gathered and presented their findings in a dialogue with community leaders from Canada, also sharing their previous experiences inXochimilco, Mexico. This exchange allowed themto compare contexts, identify common challenges, and recognize good practicesin indigenous agriculture and the defense of food sovereignty.
The project left behind avaluablelegacy ofcomparative learningbetween communities in Mexico and Canada, along with a critical analysis of historical and contemporary policies that have impacted indigenous peoples.
A tri-national alliance with global impact
Beyond academic results, the program strengthenedinstitutional and community partnershipsbetween the Universidad Panamericana, Kent State University, and the University of Alberta, laying the groundwork for future joint research and social action projects.
The Universidad Panamericana, true to its mission of training leaders committed to the common good, will continue to promoteinternational initiatives that foster sustainability, social justice, and innovation in public policy.
Projects such asIndigenous Food Systems for Climate Justicedemonstrate that collaborative research and intercultural training are key to a more just future.
Learn more about the research projects at the Universidad Panamericana : https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
