Food sovereignty has become more important to tribal communities that want to determine the source and quality of the food that they consume. In essence, food sovereignty initiatives like farm-to-table and farm-to-school programs are important for the long-term health, economic stability, and cultural preservation of tribal communities.
Now, the Thunder Valley Food Summit 2023 aims to bring together a diverse range of individuals, including tribal members, community leaders, food experts, and policy makers.
About the Food Summit
Specifically, the primary goal of the Summit is to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving surrounding healthy, locally sourced food systems and the revitalization of traditional Indigenous practices related to food cultivation, harvesting, and preparation.
During the summit, people who attend the Summit can join a series of workshops, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and traditional food activities. These activities will provide attendees with ample opportunities to engage with one another, exchange valuable ideas, and explore innovative approaches in promoting sustainable and culturally relevant food systems. Indigenous chefs will be on hand to provide food samples as attendees look for inspiration.
The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit serving Lakota people in the Pine Ridge Reservation, is hosting the Food Summit from Sept. 14-16 at the Box Elder Events Center in Box Elder, South Dakota.
Why Food Sovereignty Matters
A growing number of tribal communities today are starting to regain control of their food supply by growing traditional foods on their own and collaborating with the federal government. Food sovereignty empowers Native households and communities to address issues of hunger and health by cultivating their own healthy, fresh foods. Much of Indian Country imports its food from large industrial and retail operations because of a lack of easy access to grocery stores or other sources of quality, affordable food. For tribal communities, food sovereignty is about reintroducing traditional ways of food production and distribution.
Event Tickets
Tickets to the Food Summit are available online.
