Community Cultivators: Community Gardens and Refugees in Portland, Oregon
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Date
2018-09-06
Authors
Ulrich, Nicolette
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis explores the relationship between community gardens in Portland, Oregon, and the refugee integration process. Using interviews and observations of a community garden in southeast Portland, the research explores the actors and organizations working with refugees in community gardens all over the city. The most prominent actors in the community garden networks are referred to as Community Cultivators. These individuals are refugees and also strongly tied to organizations and institutions in Portland. It is through these social networks that Community Cultivators are able to build bridges between their refugee communities and Portland-based organizations, fostering integration. This research also explores how integration happens in the community gardens in Portland and why community gardens are able to foster these relationships. The foundational framework used in this research is Alison Ager and Alistar Strang’s (2008) Indicators of Integration, which is adapted for the unique process of refugee integration through community gardens engagement.
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Keywords
Gardens, Integration, Portland (Or.), Refugees, Resettlement, Social