Unveiling Our Journey
A Legacy of Empowerment
The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) has evolved over nearly a decade through grassroots networking and constituency-building. Established to unite practitioners, communities (rural, remote, and urban), organizations, and Tribal governments, NAFSA promotes best practices and policies that strengthen and sustain dynamic Native food systems.
Our Founding Council
NAFSA’s Founding Council was composed of 18 dedicated activists who had been working on Native food issues for many years. Their collective wisdom and experience provided the organization with a strong foundation to build and sustain a movement that continues to impact Native communities.
- Clayton Brascoupe, Traditional Native American Farmers Association
- Les Brown, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
- Josie Chase, Oglala Lakota College
- Dan Cornelius, Intertribal Agriculture Council
- Dana Eldridge, Diné Policy Institute, Diné College
- Julie Garreau, Cheyenne River Youth Project
- † Terrol Dew Johnson, Tohono O’odham Community Action
- Winona LaDuke, White Earth Land Recovery Project
- Jon Matthews, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
- Jeff Metoxen, Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin
- Dave Monture, Intertribal Agriculture Council
- Loretta Barrett Oden, Native American celebrity chef
- Tristan Reader, Tohono O’odham Community Action
- A-dae Romero, Cochiti Youth Experience
- Elvera Sargent, Akwesasne Freedom School
- Rita Williams, Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative
Our Milestones
Trace the pivotal moments that have defined NAFSA’s path and propelled us forward.
2005
Inception of NAFSA
NAFSA emerged from an Oxfam America grant that enabled the Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) to bring together grassroots Native food activists. Participants from 13 Tribes collaborated to strengthen Indigenous food systems through agriculture, seed saving, and traditional foods.
2012
Formation of NAFSA
NAFSA was officially formed with support from the First Nations Development Institute under the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative. This formalized discussions and partnerships across different Native food initiatives into a cohesive organization.
2013 & 2014
Organizational Incorporation
In 2013, NAFSA achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, establishing it as an independent entity with a legal framework. The following year, NAFSA was incorporated with the Navajo Nation, establishing stronger ties with tribal governance.
2015 - 2017
Programming Established
In 2015, the Indigenous Seed Keepers Network (ISKN) became an official program of NAFSA, with Rowen White (Mohawk) serving as its coordinator. In 2017, NAFSA’s Food and Culinary Program was formalized to address the need for Indigenous culinary revitalization.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced NAFSA to pivot to virtual programming. Despite challenges, the organization launched the Virtual Food and Culinary Mentorship Program and developed online seed sovereignty training.
Present
Emerging Pathways
In 2025, NAFSA has refined its mission, vision, and values to reflect our evolving work in Indigenous food sovereignty. We have drafted our first Theory of Change, providing a strategic framework to guide our impact. Additionally, we have begun data collection to strengthen and expand our regional approach to programming. As we move forward, NAFSA remains dedicated to advancing food sovereignty through collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable growth.