Native American Foods & Health

First Nations Development Institute’s work in food systems is at the intersection between food systems/food security and economic development. We support tribes and Native communities as they strengthen food systems in their communities, improve health and nutrition and build food security. First Nations increases the control over Native agriculture and food systems by providing financial and technical support, including training materials, to projects that address the agriculture and food sectors in Native communities. 

 First Nations also undertakes research projects that build the knowledge and understanding of Native agriculture and food systems issues, and inform Native communities about innovative ideas and best practices.  We also participate in policy forums that help develop legislative and regulatory initiatives within this sector.  First Nations supports a regional and national network of Native food sector and related organizations.

 

Recently Released Native American Foods & Heath Reports and Publications

     
  
Western Agency Chapters Techincal Assistance Project: Strategies for Advancing Individual Farmers and Ranchers on the Navajo Western Agency (2012)
(1.4 MB)		 
Native Agriculture and
Food Systems Initiative:
2010-2011 Grantee
Evaluation Report (2011)
(1.7 MB)
 
Native Food and Agriculture
Resource Manual (2012)
(3.0 MB)

 

Native Agriculture Research and Reports

First Nations Development Institute provides research and reports about Native American foods and health.

   
 Western Agency Chapters Techincal Assistance Project: Strategies for Advancing Individual Farmers and Ranchers on the Navajo Western Agency (2012) (1.4 MB)
The report to the U. S. Department of Agriculture Office of Advocacy and Outreach describes the results of Technical Assistance provided to farmers and ranchers on the Navajo Western Agency.
   
 

Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: 2010-2011 Grantee
Evaluation Report (2011) (1.7 MB)
This report highlights best practices of four NAFSI grantees and is a useful tool for organizations looking to develop and expand control of food systems in Native communities

   
 

Exploring the Vision of Native Food Sovereignty: An Institutional Framework (2006) (200 KB)
This report summarizes the history of First Nations’ work to strengthen Native food systems through the work of grantees practicing food sovereignty and building the food sovereignty movement. It also provides a roadmap for future work towards food sovereignty in Native communities.

   
 Time for the Harvest: Native Food Systems in Persepctive (2004) (1.63 MB)
Time for the Harvest explores the historical roots of the current Native food systems, identifies areas for change, and proposes strategies for revitalizing Native agriculture and food systems. In doing so, this paper provides an overview of Native food systems, including barriers and opportunities in the areas of health, economic development,and cultural revitalization.
   
 

2004 Native Food Summit "First FOOD Nations: Creating a Recipe For Change" (2004) (304 KB)
This report provides a summary of the 2004 Native Food Summit's proceedings and information on food issues in Native communities.

   
 

2002 Native Food Summit "Time for the Harvest: Renewing Native Food Systems (2002) (272 KB)
This report provides a summary of the 2004 Native Food Summit's proceedings and information on food issues in Native communities.

   
 

"Wins" and "Losses" in the 2002 Farm Bill: Overview of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2003) (160 KB)
This report assess the potential gains and losses for Native American communities as a result of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

   
 

An Analysis of United States International Policy on Indigenous Peoples, the Human Right to Food and Food Security (2002) (339 KB)
This paper examines United States international policy as well as its international legal obligations with regard to Indigenous Peoples’ food security and human right to food.

 

Native Agriculture Resources

First Nations Development Institute provides resource material to assess and improve agriculture in Native communities.

   
 

Food Sovereignty Assessment Tool (2004) (2.2 MB)
This publication provides an introduction to the food security movement in Indian Country, and provides a resource for thinking about food systems in Native communities and what can be done to regain control of Native food systems.

   
 

Native Food and Agriculture Resource Manual (2012) (3.0 MB)
This updated resource manual provides information on 68 U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that will assist you in the development of Native agriculture and food systems projects. These programs provide federal funding for a range of projects to support Native agriculture.

   
 Salmon Marketing: Tribal Fisher's Handbook 6th Edition (2012) (1.8 MB)
Published by the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (a First Nations Development Institute grantee), this handbook focuses on improving the quality and safety of tribally harvested salmon through sanitation and proper handling.