Show Notes for our interview with Dan Cornelius of the InterTribal Agriculture Council

What is Food Sovereignty and why does it matter?

Assistance Provided by InterTribal Agriculture Council (IAC) [3:30-4:10]

IAC works across 17 different agencies within USDA; each does something different; IAC brings them together to help the tribal food producer navigate the opportunties.

Federal Indian Policy’s role in Urban Indian Population centers [4:10-5:20]

Kris discussing O.V. Indians land and food relationship [5:25-6:00]

Partnership with Nisqually Tribe, Exercising Tribal Treaty Rights in WA [6:00-7:14]

Billy Frank and others willingness to get arrested to affirm their rights.

Tribal impacts on managing resources, hatcheries, water quality, etc. [7:15-7:30]

Boldt Decision re-recognized Tribal Treaty Rights and clarified it to be 50% of the commercial seafood catch in Washington State.

Retracing Tribal Trade Routes Road Trip [7:30-9:00]CA-Chumash story of reclaiming traditional acorn flour

 

Traditional Harvesting as Resource Management..keeps the crops healthy and sustainable[9:00-9:50]

 

History of Tribal Food Sovereignty Summit [9:50-12:50]Focuses on Tribe to Tribe interaction, inspiration and partnershipsSharing best practices and success stories

 

Organizing with Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance/IAC [12:55-15:05]Great Lakes Native American Food SummitNative Chefs, demonstrations of cooking with Traditional ingredients

 

Mobile Farmer’s Market – Native Food Network [15:05- 17:05]Reconnecting Transportation and Distribution System across Indian CountryVision of a National Native Food Network, local/regional trade hubs

 

[17:08-17:50] Major Opportunities for Tribes in Casino Restaurant IndustryCommunity Food Programs; School Lunch, Elders, Commodities

 

[17:50-26:00]Regional Tribally Supported Agriculture (TSA) programReady for Online Ordering by Christmas 2015www.nativefoodnetwork.com to order wild rice, maple syrup, corn, etc.Offering Traditional food dishes is good for tribal business, and great gifts.“Its not about the money, its about a way of life”And generating an income to survive.

 

[26:30-28:25] Importance of the Stories of the Foods, Reclaiming the Seeds“Gotta get out and do it”…”we have to be producing more food”And make it a priority.

 

[28:25-31:00] What is the role of Policy in these efforts?Engaging Tribal Leadership: The importance of writing tribal food codes and the role of Tribal departments and Tribal Leaders in setting progressive food policy for community health.Prioritize Native products on menu and in tribal businesses.Wild game food codes as a starting point for more comprehensive food codes.

 

[31:00-31:50]Importance of introducing kids to healthy food at an early age.Farm to School programs are critical.

 

[31:50-34:40]Existing Policies on tribal food protection and systemsNavajo Junk Food Tax, anti GMO policies.Tribal Govern ments need to providing resources to encourage food production among tribal members

 

[34:40-37:40]How he got into food production during Law School at WisconsinBegan working for Lance Morgan at Ho Chunk, Inc. “New Urbanist Village”Must address land issues; which is culture, economic health, and wellness.Food is the foundation of so many issues.

[37:40-40:35] How he came to work for Intertribal Ag Council

Work takes him all over the country assisting tribal communities.

Links and follow up information:

http://www.indianaglink.com/

nativefoodnetwork.com

iacgreatlakes.com

nativefoodalliance.com

americanindianfoods.com

Dan’s contact/email:

[email protected] him on Facebook at: Dan Cornelius

Resources:

USDA: Communities Resources, Grants, Insurance, Loans, Facilities, Essential infrastructure

IAC works across 17 different agencies within USDA; each does something different; bringing them together.

FSA – Farm Service Agency (http://www.rd.usda.gov), Commodity Foods Programs, etc.