Fall 2020

Nov. 2nd Panel Discussion: Humboldt Food Sovereignty Lab. History & Vision

Panelists:

Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy, Department Chair Native American Studies

Carrie Tully, Environment & Community Graduate Student

Cody Henrikson, Native American Studies & Marine Biology Undergraduate

Native American Studies is building a Food Sovereignty Lab and Cultural Workspace in the BSS building adjacent to the Native American Forum. In this panel discussion Dr. Baldy reviews the history of native dispossession of traditional foods in the Humboldt region. Students Cody and Carrie share their experience presenting the Food Sovereignty Lab research at the CSU Student Research Competition. The students explain the initial push back received by the University upon review of the space application for BSS building. The panel explains the space will help to strengthen the bond between our local community, Indigenous Nations, and students at Humboldt by providing space which can support cultural resurgence and food sovereignty for Native peoples.

Nov. 9th The State of Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States

Presenter:

Dr. Devon Mihesuah, Cora Lee Beers Price Professor in Humanities, University of Kansas.

This presentation explores the meaning and goals of food sovereignty as well as the challenges to achieving control over food systems. Dr. Mihesuah explains how the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Movement (IFS) has exploded in recent years. Examples include tribal and grassroots food initiatives, farms, community and backyard gardens, food summits and school programs. Despite these efforts, high rates of diabetes, obesity and other health issues still remain and food insecurity is a reality for many tribes. Dr. Mihesuah offers several solutions for reclaiming Indigenous Food Sovereignty through education, tribal garden initiatives and invasive species removal.

Nov. 16th Discussion Panel: The State of Indigenous Food Sovereignty in California

Panelists:

Dr. Melissa Nelson, Professor School of Sustainability, Arizona State University

Meagen Baldy, Eating Healthy in Indian Country

Vince Medina and Louis Trevino, Cafe Ohlone

Panelists share their experience as cultural practitioners advancing food sovereignty for their communities. Meagan discusses food sovereignty on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation in Northern California. Vince and Louis share stories from the success of Cafe Ohlone in the Bay Area. Dr. Nelson discusses California sacred foods.

Nov. 22nd Discussion Panel: Fire and Food Sovereignty

Panelists:

Dr. Frank Lake, Research Ecologist, US Forest Service

Merv George, Forest Supervisor, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Jared Aldern, Environmental Historian

Rondo Reed, Wildland firefighter, US Forest Service

Each panelist shares their experience with cultural fire management. Dr. Frank Lake defines Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Indigenous Fire Stewardship and Tribal Agroforestry. Merv George describes his experience as a cultural practitioner and Forest Supervisor. Jared Aldern shares a settler perspective of restoring Indigenous fire and foods. Rondo Reed explains his experience as a cultural practitioner and working for the US Forest Service. The webinar concludes with a Q+A session with the audience

Nov. 30th Food Sovereignty & The Timing of Climate Change

Presenter:

Dr. Kyle Powys Whyte

Dr. Whyte presents how Indigenous Food Sovereignty is a framework for addressing climate change. He explains for many Indigenous peoples food sovereignty is about restoring kinship relationships with food. This presentation describes the different ways of telling time from an Indigenous perspective and compares the past hundred years of colonial history to thousands of years of Indigenous history. Dr. Whyte answers questions from the audience and engages in discussion with the Humboldt NAS Food Sovereignty Lab Steering Committee on why such a space would support cutting edge research on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and support tribes in the local region and beyond.