turtle island women

Northeast chapter of NAIWA
The North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc., a non-profit membership, educational and service organization, was established in 1970 for the purpose of promoting among Native American Indian people, betterment of: -Home, family life & community -Health & Education-Intertribal Communications -Awareness of Indian Culture -Fellowship Among All People

2026 WE ARE FOCUSING ON FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

Overview

The 7 pillars of food sovereignty, formulated by La Via Campesina and expanded by Indigenous circles, establish a framework for democratic, localized, and sustainable food systems. They prioritize food for people, value providers, work with nature, localize systems, put control locally, build knowledge, and recognize food as sacred. The 7 Pillars of Food Sovereignty are: Focuses on Food for People: Puts the need for food at the center of policy, treating it as a basic human right rather than a mere commodity. Values Food Providers: Supports sustainable livelihoods, respects the work of farmers, fishers, herders, and hunters, and rejects the exploitation of food providers. Localizes Food Systems: Reduces the distance between providers and consumers, rejects dumping/inappropriate aid, and resists dependency on distant, unaccountable corporations. Puts Control Locally: Places control over land, water, seeds, and livestock in the hands of local food providers, rejecting the privatization of natural resources. Builds Knowledge and Skills: Builds on traditional knowledge, fosters research that supports local food systems, and rejects technologies that undermine or contaminate them. Works with Nature: Optimizes the contributions of ecosystems, improves resilience, and promotes sustainable, agroecological production methods. Food is Sacred: Recognizes that food is a gift of life, not to be wasted or solely commodified, an addition highlighting Indigenous perspectives. These pillars are designed to counter the industrial, export-oriented, and corporate-driven food system, aiming for a system that is socially, culturally, and environmentally just.

PROGRAM PLANNING

The Program Committee is discussing ways to promote food sovereignty in our communities, such as: Water barrels Soil Testing Kits for seeds or garden sheds ,etc Fruit tree distribution Herbs kits Composting training Food Co-Op Community tilling Anyone who wants to work on these ideas, please attend the next Program Committee meeting, the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.