Indigenous Foods Working Group

Launched in 2020, the Indigenous Foods Working Group was born, focusing on Traditional foods. We are working on our mission and have established three goals: 1) advocacy, 2) providing networking opportunities, and 3) providing support for food system assessment and planning.

The diversity that exists across Alaska’s landscape is reflected in the diversity that exists between Tribes. Yet, some things connect us all, no matter the culture, language, or history. We all eat. What we eat and how we eat is something that defines us, and it is something that connects us. We have continued to refine the scope and strategic plan for the committee to help ensure that the priorities being pursued were meaningful to the group members. Priorities include identifying and supporting policy that helps ensure continued access to traditional use harvest areas, increased opportunities for funding and technical support, and strengthening relationships between the State of Alaska and Tribes to support food sovereignty and security.

We are working to further food security with Alaska Native/American Indian communities, food sovereignty, and advocating for policies that affect the production, sale, or trading of Traditional foods.

Traditional and Indigenous foods are a vital part of Alaska’s food system. We must work to further food security and sovereignty throughout Alaska and advocate the importance of Traditional and Indigenous foods.

The working group meets on the last Thursday of every month, 12:30-2 pm.

If you are interested in joining this Working Group please sign up, and we will get back to you.

Indigenous Foods Working Group Goals

Advocacy

Networking Opportunities

Food System Assessment & Planning

alaska-local-food-resources-smoked-salmon-drying

Spotlight on Melissa Berns: Bringing the Flavors of Kodiak to the 2025 Alaska Food Festival and Conference

Melissa's journey to becoming a celebrated chef and restaurateur in Kodiak began in her childhood, growing up in the small village of Old Harbor. "Cooking has always been a passion of mine," she explains. "I grew up in the kitchen with my mom, siblings, and relatives. Food was at the center of everything we did as a family." This deep connection to food and community shaped Melissa's path.

advocacy, indigenous foods

2024 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention

At mid-October’s Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) convention in Anchorage, we had the privilege of representing the Alaska Food Policy Council and sharing a booth with our friends from the Intertribal Agriculture Council.

advocacy, indigenous foods

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Supporting Alaska Native Food Sovereignty

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.