Food Sovereignty: Empowering Native Communities to Take Control of Their Food Systems

Imagine a community where everyone enjoys fresh, quality, culturally significant food, where the land is sustainably cared for and where people have the power to make their own food choices. This is food sovereignty — a concept that involves communities taking control of their food systems by prioritizing local needs and knowledge, supporting small-scale farmers and producers, and ensuring everyone has the food they want and need.

This movement, rooted in the historical practices of Indigenous communities, is being revitalized and celebrated both locally and globally. On the Flathead Nation, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) are making strides through their Food Sovereignty Initiative. The program, identified as a tribal priority resolution in recent years, is working to produce and provide locally sourced food to their community, pass on traditional knowledge, and much more.  In this blog, we dive into the importance of food sovereignty and how CSKT is leading the way in our region.

Why is Food Sovereignty important?

Food sovereignty is crucial for many reasons, particularly in addressing the lasting impacts of colonization, systemic inequities, and modern-day food access challenges. Historically, colonization disrupted Indigenous food systems, severing the connection between communities and their traditional lands and food sources. This disconnection has led to a loss of traditional knowledge and cultural practices related to food, which are vital components of community identity and heritage.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, resulting in widespread food shortages. These disruptions showed the importance of having resilient local food systems that can adapt to crises and ensure continuous access to food. Additionally, many Indigenous and rural communities, including the Flathead Nation, face the issue of food deserts – areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Food sovereignty initiatives aim to combat these inequities.

The CSKT Food Sovereignty Initiative

Since January 2020, CSKT has been working hard to build a robust local food system on the Flathead Indian Reservation. It started with CARES Act funding during Covid-19, which helped tackle some immediate barriers to accessing food. By 2021, with support from Headwaters Foundation, CSKT launched their Food Sovereignty Initiative, hiring key staff to lead the charge and securing additional funding, including a large grant from the USDA. Now, they have moved from start-up phase to ensuring sustainability and embedding food sovereignty deeply into their community practices. What they’re up to:

• Cultivating Community Gardens: Within its first year, over eight tons of food was harvested from seven gardens, then distributed drive-thru style across 8 communities.
• Uplifting Traditional Foods: In addition to growing and harvesting, CSKT encourages a reconnection to traditional foods like wild game, fish, roots, and berries. 
• Distributing Food: CSKT offers free food boxes to Tribal members, distributing 1500 every other month, and delivers soup to over 200 elders twice a week, incorporating local game and produce. 
• Building a healthy community mindset: CSKT is making sure that everyone knows how to use fresh, local produce. They include recipes in food boxes and hold monthly classes that blend food, culture and language in partnership with local schools, Tribal programs, and community events,  
• Aligning with Tribal values: CSKT works with cultural and elders’ committees to shape a shared vision for food sovereignty, aiming to establish a permanent initiative that reflects their cultural values.

The CSKT Food Sovereignty Initiative is a powerful example of what it means to take control of your food system. By supporting local food production, preserving cultural practices, and promoting Indigenous knowledge and culture, they’re not just ensuring food security – they’re sparking a stronger, more resilient community. We are proud to invest in their efforts, understanding that food sovereignty is essential for a healthy, equitable and sustainable future.

If you’re interested in learning more, consider attending an Open House on Thursday, September 12 from 4 to 7pm at the Kicking Horse Complex in Charlo. Find more information here!