Our Work Provides Much Food for Thought

First Nations Development Institute’s Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI) was launched because we believe that food systems and food security are keystones to tribal economic development. Our goal is to assist Native American communities in ensuring adequate food supplies – with a particular focus on locally grown, healthy foods – and in developing or expanding a locally controlled and locally based food system that not only provides those healthy foods to community members, but which supports local food producers and the local economy.

Ponca Pork Project to Provide for the Elderly
… and Help Youngsters

First Nations Development Institute, in association with AARP Foundation, is working to eliminate food insecurity among American Indian senior citizens. With support from the foundation, First Nations recently awarded grants of $25,000 each to four tribal projects that will go far toward meeting that goal.

Cochiti Youngsters Enjoying a Healthy Experience

One of First Nations Development Institute’s focus areas is Native American foods and health. Our work here is crucial; we know that agriculture and food systems can be significant keys for tribal economic development, while at the same time helping restore healthy Native diets and reconnecting us to our cultural traditions and lifeways. Our effort is formally called the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative, or NAFSI.

First Nations to Present Recent Findings on Predatory Lending
to New Mexico’s Indian Affairs Committee

On September 26, 2012, First Nations Development Institute consultant Shawn Spruce will appear in front of New Mexico’s Indian Affairs Committee to discuss tax time predatory lending practices. The meeting, at the University of New Mexico-Gallup, is to make key legislators and tribal leaders (as well as tax-preparation businesses) aware of how firms take advantage of Native American taxpayers within and around communities with high Native population.

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