- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Department of the Interior is bolstering food sovereignty efforts across Indian Country with its new program: Indigenous Food Hubs.
The program—a partnership between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) —will bring Indigenous foods and nutritional education to BIE schools and detention centers.
The initiative will include pilot hubs at four BIE schools and four BIA detention centers to source foods from Native producers and vendors, provide training for cooks, and develop educational materials.
“Indigenous food is about more than just nutrition. Food is an important part of Native cultures, traditions, history and community,” Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in a statement. “The Indigenous Food Hubs will work to provide healthier food to Indigenous communities and help to repair the damage done to Indigenous foodways by the harmful policies of the past, including colonization, relocation and assimilation of Tribal communities.”
For the first time, a nutritionist will be hired to support the BIE and BIA in developing and implementing culturally appropriate nutrition and training standards that draw from Indigenous knowledge, according to a press release from the Department of the Interior. Special efforts will be made to identify and connect Native vendors and producers, including tribal food sovereignty and health programs.
Additionally, the program will draw upon Indigenous knowledge to develop approaches to food that incorporate: culture, social determinants of health, nutrition, land management, and conservation.
Tell Us What You Think
More Stories Like This
50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal RelationsJamul Indian Village Celebrates Historic Land Reclamation with Passage of S. 3857
Little Shell Tribe Breaks Ground on Ceremonial Center to Honor Culture, Community, and Future
LAND BACK: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Become Caretakers of Fort Wayne Burial Mound
Trump Administration Charges Ahead with Plan to Destroy Oak Flat
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
