In honor of America’s tribal people the month of November was declared Native American Heritage Month in the United States in 1990. To commemorate this month, the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s American Indian Foods program is hosting a series of programs highlighting the rich culture, tradition, food, and art of the first inhabitants of the United States. American Indian Foods program’s ultimate goal is to share Native foods and culture with the world and in turn develop sustainable economies and resilient regional food systems.
Founded in 1987 by 84 tribes, the Intertribal Agricultural Council now consists of all 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribes. The American Indian Foods program offers Native food producers a place where they can feature their products, ensure market readiness, and facilitate access to domestic and foreign markets.
Prior to 1987, American Indian agriculture and food systems were practically unheard of outside reservation boundaries. Consequently, tribal producers have struggled to gain access to federal programs that facilitate participation in domestic and foreign markets.
“COVID has clearly stalled and completely eliminated opportunities to get together in person. The purpose of this November campaign is to continue to engage with foreign buyers on the quality and value of Native American foods during this November time”
– Lottie Redhouse, American Indian Foods Director
This campaign highlights the tremendous work producers are doing. See examples of their craftsmanship and the love that goes into their high-quality products:
As part of the campaign, Native American chefs are highlighting ingredients and foods sourced from brands in the American Indian Foods Program.
From December 7th-10th the IAC AIF is hosting an online IAC Virtual Conference with this year’s theme being Resiliency through Agriculture. This no cost online conference brings together individuals all across Native American and Alaskan Native communities. To register for the online conference and trade show visit – www.indianag.org/events. Outside of meetings and workshop sessions, the trade show will be “open for business” so that conference attendees can peruse products and services online. It’s a great way to lend support to Native businesses.
