Siletz news /, December 01, 2002, Page 17, Image 17

NOTICES
Native Communities Focus on Links Between Traditional Foods
and Contemporary Health
Recognizing that traditional foods are a cornerstone of strong Native
communities. First Nations Development Institute is launching a new initiative to
help Native communities nationwide renew food systems that were broken on the
wheel of America’s westward expansion.
Through its Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative, First Nations has
announced 14 grants totaling $560,000 to projects across the country. The First
Nations initiative provides financial resources and assistance with systemic reform
efforts to tribal communities working on food-related projects.
First Nations also convened its first Native Food Summit in mid-November
in Albuquerque, N.M. The Native Food Summit brought together nearly 200 tribal
agricultural, health, and community leaders and non-Native partners, as well as
interested funders, to identify and discuss pathways to positive change in Native
food systems. More information can be found at www.firstnations.org.
Practitioners and project leaders developed an agenda for outreach to
agricultural, political, economic, and community stakeholders who can help tribes
reform their food systems. The program has received primary funding through a
generous grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
“For countless generations, traditional foods were primary ingredients in
healthy, prosperous Native American communities,” said Rebecca Adamson,
founder and president of First Nations Development Institute. “Traditional foods
enabled the community to maintain physical health, respect cultural connections
to land and spirituality, develop vital skills, and engage in far-ranging trade. Today,
many Native food systems are broken as a result of physical, cultural, and economic
isolation. First Nations is now working to help tribes renew and rebuild this
essential component of their communities.
A 1999 study by the United States Department of Agriculture reported that
22 percent of Native American households are “food insecure,” meaning they do
not have access to nutritionally good, safe, affordable, culturally appropriate food
at all times. Additionally, native communities have lost direct control of many
agricultural assets because 70 percent of Native cropland is leased to non-Indians.
Native health also has suffered as a result of radical change in food resources.
For instance, the American Diabetes Association reports that six of every 10 Native
Americans are apt to develop diabetes, although diabetes was essentially unknown
among Native Americans in 1912, according to the Indian Health Service.
Among the community projects receiving the grants are:
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The Indigenous Diabetes Education Project in Broomfield, Colo., which is
reintroducing bison meat in tribal communities as a potential way to reduce
diabetes. ($51,689)
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Louden Tribal Council in Alaska, which are
developing new greenhouses and gardens to provide greater access to fresh
fruits and vegetables. ($8,000 and $10,000, respectively.)
Tohono O’odham Community Action - Food System Development Project
in Sells, Ariz., which is increasing the production, processing, and marketing
of traditional foods, as well as educating the local community about tribal
ceremonial traditions. ($89,520)
Developing Innovations in Navajo Education, Flagstaff, Ariz., which is leading
a major agricultural effort to develop gardens based on tribal knowledge while
educating members about traditional growing techniques. ($75,000)
The Native American Community Board of Lake Andres, S.D., which is
providing traditional plants to community members and teaching traditional
preservation and other food traditions. ($30,635)
The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin in Oneida, Wis., which has launched an
expansive effort in instruct youth about food systems, reintroducing young
people to their food traditions. ($50,000)
Tribal Council Applications Due
i
Application for names to be placed on the 2003 ballot for candidates in J
the Siletz Tribal Council election.
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Name:
Tribal Roll No.:
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Address: ______________________________________________________
City:
ZIP:
State:
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Telephone or contact #:
Visit the Kaleidoscope
■ of
Colleges and Cultures
The 8th Annual Kaleidoscope of Portland: Katy Kaady, 503-238-1512
Colleges and Cultures program is Salem: Sonya ^Moody-Jurado,
scheduled for Jan. ! 8,2003, at Oregon
503 -390-9494
State University in Corvallis, Ore. Thé Eugene. Nick Sixkiller, 541-484-4234
< . .
,
Siletz: Mona Fisher, 541-444-8373
program provides information about
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OSU and its programs, academic
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.
- You also may contact OSU s
colleges, and services.
Student Orientation and Retenti®
The deadline to sign up with the Programs at 541 -737-2626 or
education specialist for your area is 1-800-291-4192if you have any ques-
Dec. 31, 2002: .
tions or need additional information.
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I understand I must be an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians of Oregon and 18 years of age or older. This application must
be filed with the Election Board by 4 p.m. on Dec. 18,2002. 1 also understand
that if for any reason I decide to withdraw my application for Siletz Tribal
Council, I must withdraw in writing by Dec. 23, 2002. Otherwise, my name
will appear in the voter’s pamphlet and on the ballot.
Signature:Date:
If you would like your candidate’s statement and photo to appear in the
voter’s pamphlet, please submit your statement and a recent 3x5 photograph
of yourself along with your application. Statements and photos will
appear only in the voter’s pamphlet. Mail your statement, photo, and this
application to:
CTSI Election Board
RO. Box 490
Siletz, OR 97380
December 2002
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Siletz News
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