In a groundbreaking move, Feeding America, The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and Hunger Free Oklahoma joined forces to host the inaugural Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This landmark event brought together experts, food providers, tribal leaders, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies in addressing food insecurity and promoting food sovereignty within local and regional tribal communities.

Uniting Tribes to Tackle Hunger and Cultivate Self-Reliance

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit was a collaborative effort aimed at empowering tribal communities to address food insecurity and hunger on their own terms. "We want to bring the tribes together to help them share the exciting things they're doing to address food insecurity and hunger in their own communities and looking for ways tribes can build a coalition to support each other through those endeavors," said Mark Ford, Director of Native and Tribal Partnerships at Feeding America.The event provided a platform for experts, food providers, and tribal leaders to come together and share their experiences, successes, and challenges in achieving food security and sovereignty. By fostering this exchange of knowledge and best practices, the summit sought to inspire and equip tribal communities with the tools and strategies they need to tackle hunger and cultivate self-reliance.

Elevating Indigenous Voices and Perspectives

The summit's keynote speaker, Chef Pyet DeSpain, a winner of the first Next Level Chef competition, brought a powerful personal perspective to the event. As someone who grew up with food insecurity, DeSpain emphasized the vital role that community programs like food banks played in shaping her life and instilling the importance of giving back. "Just sharing how that has helped mold me into the person I am and understanding that giving back is very important. Being a tangible person in our communities and representing people like myself, which is both Native American and Mexican-American, in the culinary world is super important," she said.By featuring the experiences and insights of individuals like DeSpain, the summit aimed to amplify the voices and perspectives of those who have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by indigenous communities. This approach not only lent authenticity to the event but also served as a powerful reminder of the human impact of food insecurity and the transformative potential of community-driven solutions.

Building a Coalition for Food Sovereignty

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit was a significant step towards fostering a collaborative network among tribal communities to address food insecurity and promote self-reliance. "We want to bring the tribes together to help them share the exciting things they're doing to address food insecurity and hunger in their own communities and looking for ways tribes can build a coalition to support each other through those endeavors," said Ford.By facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies, the summit aimed to empower tribal communities to work together, share resources, and learn from one another's successes. This collaborative approach holds the promise of a future where indigenous families and communities can achieve true food sovereignty, ensuring that no one goes hungry and that traditional food systems and practices are preserved and strengthened.

Feeding America's Commitment to Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks and food pantries, has made a concerted effort to address food insecurity within indigenous communities. The organization's partnership with The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and Hunger Free Oklahoma in hosting the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit is a testament to their commitment to this cause."Feeding America and their partner food banks across the country have a goal to ensure no one goes hungry, including a future of food sovereignty for Native American families and communities," the article states. By leveraging their resources and expertise, Feeding America and its partners are working to empower tribal communities to take control of their food systems and achieve long-term food security.The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit represents a significant step forward in this ongoing effort, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the amplification of indigenous voices and perspectives. As the summit continues to grow and evolve, it holds the potential to catalyze meaningful change and pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable food future for all.