LION is working to transform the narrative around land in Britain in how it relates to the intersections of race, gender and class for systemic change. Our role as earth stewards is to aid repair of the land and its people, guided by our reconnections with our ancestral land practices.
We are guided in our work by elders experienced in land activism and food justice. LION has many peripheral organisers, made up of earth stewards and landworkers, rights and justice activists and artists.
LION takes a long-term view of both the past and the future. Our work centres repair from the interruption of colonial violence and exploitation inflicted upon our ancestors and homelands. We work towards a deep-rooted healing from historical trauma that is impeding good relationships with land. We will continue to host events that provide sites for this healing and encouraging self-made repair. This healing comes at a critical time for the Earth, ecosystems and activists on the frontline of climate and environmental justice.
We are working with communities who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting shocks in employment and food security. We are at risk of losing a much needed pool of skilled growers, just as we need to increase our local food production and rapidly adapt to shocks in food supply. Imposed travel restrictions and social distancing measures have also disrupted our work (i.e holding events at farms) and expected sources of funding. We have been forced to rapidly make more use of digital communications. We are also creating a food justice toolkit, and will be distributing grants for BPOC food growers financially affected by lockdown measures.