The first season of Rooted Wisdom, a podcast produced by the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, has featured stories and guests representing a variety of cross-sections within Tribal food and agriculture. For season one’s final episode, IFAI’s Director of Communication, Mary Belle Zook (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), sits down with IFAI’s Executive Director, Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation), and senior staff attorney, Kelli Case (Chickasaw Nation) to discuss ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and the timeless practices, sustainable techniques, and deep connections that Native communities have with their lands and food systems. 

“Tribal sovereignty requires food sovereignty. We can’t be truly sovereign unless we can feed our own people,” Griffith Hotvedt said. 

This powerful statement underscores the intrinsic link between food sovereignty and the broader concept of Tribal sovereignty. The ability to produce, distribute, and consume food within Tribal communities is not just about sustenance; it’s about maintaining cultural integrity, economic independence, and community resilience. 

Tribal Traditions 

Tribal agriculture is incredibly diverse, reflecting the unique needs and traditions of each Tribe. From the salmon fisheries of coastal Tribes to the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) of the southeastern Tribes, these practices are deeply rooted cultural traditions and continue to evolve. 

“Indian Country is not a monolith, and that means that what is agriculture for one might be vastly different for another,” Case said. 

This diversity is a strength, allowing Tribes to set their own priorities and goals, and to build agricultural systems that are tailored to their specific needs and environments. 

Tribal Influence 

The impact of Indigenous agriculture extends far beyond Tribal lands. Globally, many of the foods consumed today, such as corn, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes, have origins in Indigenous agricultural practices. These contributions are a testament to the ingenuity and deep knowledge of Indigenous peoples, who have been cultivating and perfecting these crops since time immemorial.  

Looking to the future, the work being done by IFAI, Tribal organizations, and Tribal communities to build and expand Tribal food systems is more critical than ever. The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities, but it also showcased the resilience and adaptability of Tribal agriculture. 

Tribes are investing in infrastructure, such as processing facilities and distribution networks, to ensure food security and sovereignty for their people and communities. These efforts are not just about economic gain but about preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the health and well-being of future generations. 

Supporting Tribal Food and Agriculture 

Supporting Tribal food and agriculture can be as simple as purchasing Tribal-produced foods from Native vendors, visiting Tribal cultural centers and museums, reading, and more.  

“If you’re looking for a list of vendors, you can get on the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s website for American Indian Foods, and there’s a list of vendors that are available,” Griffith Hotvedt said. “Some of the products are traditional foods, and some are not traditional foods, but they are companies that are owned and operated by Tribes or Native folks.” 

This Native American Heritage Month, join IFAI by celebrating through this insightful and informative episode of Rooted Wisdom. Click below to listen to the episode now.