In Native communities, the way foods are produced, distributed, and consumed has a significant impact on their development, economy, health, and culture.
To help Native communities strengthen their Native food systems and, in turn, the health of their community members and their local economies, as well as the preservation and celebration of Native cultures, First Nations leads the Changing Native Food Economies project.
This work began in 2015 with support from the Otto Bremer Trust for the Food as Economic Development in Native Communities project. In this project, First Nations provided financial support, mentorships, and a regional convening for three Minnesota tribal organizations located within Otto Bremer’s geographic service area, with the goal of increasing access to resources, knowledge, and networking opportunities that would spur economic opportunities and expand local food systems in tribal communities.
The three participating organizations were:
- Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the
- White Earth Reservation Tribal Council
Download the Food as Economic Development in Native Communities Project Outcomes Report here.
In 2018, with continued support from the Otto Bremer Foundation, First Nations designed a new project, Changing Native Food Economies in Minnesota and North Dakota. In this project, First Nations developed a multi-pronged approach to help three Native communities in Minnesota and North Dakota regain control of their community food systems through financial, technical, and peer networking. In turn, each of these three communities developed a customized project that is unique to their community circumstances.
The three participating organizations were:
- Prairie Island Indian Community in Welch, Minnesota
- Spirit Lake Tribe in Fort Totten, North Dakota
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Fort Yates, North Dakota
Download the Changing Native Food Economies in Minnesota and North Dakota Project Outcomes Report here.
Learn more about First Nations’ Nourishing Native Foods & Health Program.
