Radio Program Features IFAI’s Carly Griffith Hotvedt

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. In honor of this month, Carly Griffith Hotvedt, a Cherokee citizen and the Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, spoke with Eli Grayson of 89.9 KBOB FM in Oklahoma on Nov. 12, 2024.  

During the interview, Griffith Hotvedt shared her insights on the importance of food sovereignty, the challenges faced by Tribal communities, and the initiatives aimed at reclaiming control over Indigenous food systems. 

“True sovereignty for Tribal Nations includes the ability to feed their own people. Food sovereignty is about having control over the food systems, from production to distribution, ensuring that communities can access healthy, culturally appropriate foods. This concept is crucial for the resilience and sustainability of Tribal Nations,” Griffith Hotvedt said. 

Tribal Agriculture 

During the interview, Griffith Hotvedt discussed the various challenges that Tribal communities face in achieving food sovereignty. These include limited access to resources, federal funding, and infrastructure. However, she also highlighted the progress happening across Indian Country, including IFAI’s work to provide support and resources to Tribes and Tribal producers. 

Griffith Hotvedt shared her personal background, growing up with agricultural practices that she later realized were deeply rooted in Cherokee culture. She also discussed the traditions of southeastern Tribes with the program’s host. 

“We came here to Indian Territory, because we’re in a different climate zone, some of those (traditional) foods are left out, and maybe this is part of the reason some of our Native people’s bodies aren’t as healthy as others,” she said. 

IFAI’s work isn’t specific to the food identification and the metabolic and nutritional profile, but Griffith Hotvedt highlighted that passionate, talented individuals are working in that space already. The conversation also touched on the impact of European contact and removal on traditional food systems. 

Ag Policy  

IFAI serves as the Native Farm Bill Coalition’s research partner. The NFBC exists to provide a strong, united voice for Tribal priorities in the next Farm Bill. 

“We do all of the legal research, do all the nerdy policy work, and say, ‘Here’s what we’re hearing from our Indian Country stakeholders about what’s working and what isn’t, within our Tribal Food and Ag systems,’” Griffith Hotvedt said.  

The NFBC utilizes this information as the foundation for uplifting priorities to policymakers.  

Looking Ahead 

Looking to the future, Griffith Hotvedt stressed the need for continued investment in Tribal food systems and the importance of educating both Tribal members and the broader public about the significance of food sovereignty. She encouraged Tribal leaders to prioritize food sovereignty and to develop plans that ensure the sustainability and resilience of their communities. 

Listen to the full interview below.