NAFSA’s Indigenous Seed Keepers Network (ISKN) is excited to announce the 2024 Spring Growers Stipends! This offering is a one-time stipend that can be used in any way the recipient needs to support their seed access and sovereignty work.
There will be 15 slots per region and if spots exceed the number of applicants, the pool will be put into a name randomizer for selections. Individuals are eligible to receive one Grower Stipend per calendar year. We honor and appreciate growers of all scales, and in this same spirit, all participating growers will receive the same financial support of $2,000 per Stipend.
Open Applicants
This is open to all US applicants. There will be 15 slots reserved for individuals outside of our Regional Networks. If the applicants exceed the number of spots, the pool will be put into a name randomizer for selections. Individuals are eligible to receive one Grower Stipend per calendar year.
Southwest Region Network Members
This is invite only. There will be 15 slots reserved for partners that are within our Southwest Region Network. If applicants exceed the number of slots, the pool will be put into a name randomizer for selections. Individuals are eligible to receive one Grower Stipend per calendar year.
Upper Midwest Region Network Members
This is invite only. There will be 15 slots reserved for partners that are within our Upper Midwest Region Network. If applicants exceed the number of slots, the pool will be put into a name randomizer for selections. Individuals are eligible to receive one Grower Stipend per calendar year.
Our Stipends
What are they?
ISKN is dedicated to aiding and invigorating our Indigenous food systems through microgranting initiatives. We recognize that many growers often engage in Indigenous seed sovereignty work with limited resources, in their spare time, or in a volunteer capacity. This initiative seeks to redistribute resources, and nourish and support a vibrant Indigenous seed movement. This offering is a one-time stipend that can be used in any way the recipient needs to support their seed access and sovereignty work.
This can include, but is not limited to;
self-compensation
equipment
supplies
people power
NAFSA Indigenous Seed Keepers Network
The mission of the Indigenous Seed Keepers Network (ISKN) is to nourish and assist the growing Seed Sovereignty Movement across Turtle Island (North America). As a national network, we leverage resources and cultivate solidarity and communication within the matrix of regional grass-roots tribal seed sovereignty projects. We accomplish this mission by providing educational resources, mentorship training, outreach and advocacy support on seed policy issues, and organizing national and regional events and convenings to connect many communities who are engaging in this vital work. We aim to create a collaborative framework and declaration for ethical seed stewardship and indigenous seed guidelines for tribal communities to guide them as they protect their seeds from patenting and bio-piracy. We support the creation of solutions-oriented programs for adaptive resilient seed systems within tribal communities to enhance the creative capacity to continue to evolve as the face of our Mother Earth changes.
If you are an Indigenous seed keeper building Indigenous seed access, and increasing seed literacy for Tribal communities, and would like to join the Regional Network please reach out to Aaron Lowden at aaron@nativefoodalliance.org.