This Week at First Nations: April 26, 2024
Food Systems Funders Invest in Advocacy and Allyship for Native Communities
Last week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the second cohort of food funders in First Nations’ Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice came together to advance food systems solutions in Native communities. Presented in partnership with Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) and facilitated by the Hopi-led firm Melvin Consulting, the three days of sessions were aimed at building community connections, increasing investments, and strengthening advocacy efforts for Native food producers and allies. Highlights included a cooking demonstration by Chef Nephi Craig and a site visit to First Nations’ community partner Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute, where board president Roxanne Swentzell (pictured here) led a discussion and tour. Thank you to Poeh Cultural Center for hosting us, and to our community of practice members for their individual dedication and organizational commitment to supporting cultural foodways.
Kake Community Comes Together to Keep Traditional Knowledge Thriving
Since 2022, First Nations’ community partner Organized Village of Kake has been working to increase community disaster preparedness through shellfish gardening and predator control efforts. Project lead Ethan Kadake has been busy hosting several community events to expand the local shellfish garden; support local efforts for sea otter hunting, tanning, and sewing; provide suggestions on starfish relocation and use; and reinvigorate traditional knowledge and practices. Ethan said, “[In] having the demonstration garden built we can encourage community members to be involved with the construction and learn about the importance of clam gardens.” In case you missed it, learn more about Kake’s work in First Nations’ Summary of Native Workforce Development Models.
Meet Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow Kyle Nahoi
Hawaiian Native Kyle Nahoi is deeply concerned about global warming eroding shorelines and impacting food security for the Hawaiian people. His solution to a potential food crisis is to grow taro ― a superfood grown in Hawaii for many generations. Over the last decade, Nahoi has been independently researching which one of 53 taro varieties grows best in different soil types and localities. And he is passing on his knowledge to the next generation. “When you respect, revere, and care for taro like it is both an ancestor and a child, you ensure survival into the future.”
Read more about Nahoi’s work to increase taro production in Hawaii here.
Apply Now for Next Cohort of Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship
First Nations will award 10 fellowships of $75,000 each to outstanding Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers engaged in meaningful work that benefits Indigenous people and communities in either reservation or urban settings. These fellowships support the work of Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers as they significantly advance their work and spark transformative change in their communities. Learn more and apply by May 7, 2024.
Miss the Q&A application webinar? Access the recording and presentation materials here.
Grant Opportunity for Native Farm to School Programs
First Nations recognizes that Farm to School programs in Native communities increase access to healthy foods and education for Native youth. Providing nutritious and healthy foods in school meals, along with nutrition education, can help start Native children on a path toward good health for life. Through this grant, First Nations will provide funding support and technical assistance and training to 12 Consulting Project Partners to expand farm to school programming, enhance education curriculum, and engage new supply chain partners. Learn more and apply by Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Access the recording and presentation materials of the Q&A Grant Application webinar here.
Grant Support for Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions
First Nations will distribute six Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions grants of up to $200,000 each to support approaches to climate action that are based on community, culture, and nature. Learn more and apply by May 22, 2024.
Miss the Q&A application webinar? Access the recording and presentation materials here.
Sign Up for Native-Led Nonprofit List by Monday!
Native Nonprofit Day is fast approaching – May 17, 2024. This annual event is a giving initiative aimed at raising awareness and increasing support for Native-led organizations nationwide that are enhancing positive change in Native communities. To be included in Native Ways Federation’s list of participating Native-led nonprofits, sign up here by Monday, April 29, 2024.