advocacy, indigenous foods
Indigenous Peoples' Day: Supporting Alaska Native Food Sovereignty
Blog by Leah Moss, Communications and Outreach Director, AFPC
In collaboration with our Indigenous Foods Working Group
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we pause to reflect on the deep cultural history of Alaska Native communities, while also recognizing the ongoing importance of supporting their sovereignty and well-being. Since time immemorial, Alaska Native peoples have thrived through traditional foodways — hunting, fishing, gathering, and sharing. These practices are central not only to sustenance but also to cultural identity and the deep relationship between people and the land. To honor Indigenous peoples today, we must do more than recognize their past; we must support their present and future, particularly in the area of food sovereignty.
The 2024 report, Food Security and Sovereignty in Alaska Native Communities emphasizes how vital traditional food systems are to Alaska Native communities. For Indigenous peoples, food is not just a resource; it’s an integral part of culture, health, and community. However, these foodways are increasingly under threat from climate change, rising costs of living, and government programs that often overlook traditional practices.
One of the biggest challenges the report identifies is that many federal food programs are designed around commercial agriculture, sidelining subsistence activities like wild harvesting, fishing, and community food sharing. This disconnect makes it difficult for Indigenous communities to fully benefit from programs intended to ensure food security. Federal policies and food assistance programs need to be adapted to support traditional food practices, which are crucial for true food sovereignty.
The report highlights that access to traditional wild foods, such as salmon, moose, and berries, remains a key aspect of food security and satisfaction for Alaska Native communities. However, climate change and other environmental challenges are making it more difficult to rely on these foods. Changing weather patterns, shifting animal migration routes, and unpredictable seasons threaten these life-ways, which have sustained Alaska Native communities for generations. Addressing these challenges is critical to preserving both food security and Indigenous cultural identity.
While there are efforts to increase local food production, many rural Alaska communities face barriers like a lack of infrastructure, labor, and suitable land for large-scale agriculture. The high cost of living and the short growing season further complicate balancing wild harvesting with agricultural activities. Educational programs that teach gardening, food preservation, and climate-resilient farming practices are vital to diversifying food sources while preserving traditional knowledge.
At the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC), we recognize that supporting good food policy for Alaska Native communities begins by listening. Our Indigenous Foods Working Group is dedicated to advocating for changes that respect and prioritize Indigenous voices in developing good food policy for all Alaskans. This includes consulting with Indigenous organizations, researchers, and individuals with traditional food knowledge to ensure that food systems and programs are shaped in ways that support subsistence and culturally relevant practices.
As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we encourage everyone to engage more deeply with the efforts to support Indigenous food sovereignty. This day should be about more than symbolic recognition; it’s an opportunity to listen to Alaska Native communities, understand their challenges, and take meaningful steps to support their food systems. The AFPC’s Indigenous Foods Working Group will continue to stand alongside Indigenous organizations and communities, helping to advocate for policy changes that preserve access to wild foods and support culturally relevant food practices.
By supporting these initiatives, we can help ensure that the traditional food systems of Alaska Native peoples are protected and strengthened for future generations. This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s move beyond recognition and take meaningful action to honor and support the food sovereignty of Alaska Native communities.
