The Lawrence community and beyond is invited to learn about medicine bundling, buffalo restoration, community health and more as part of a daylong summit on Indigenous food sovereignty.
“Our food systems recognize the importance of cultural and physical relationships to land and their influences on nutrition,” Star Her Many Horses, a master’s student at KU, said in a news release. “This event allows us to expand our understanding of what food sovereignty is and how to develop connections to support one another.”
Her Many Horses, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, is one of the Native scholars at the University of Kansas whose work inspired the event, which is led by KU’s Office of Sovereign Partnerships & Indigenous Initiatives. The other is Kelly Nalani Beym, Diné, a Self Graduate Fellow and doctoral student in geography.
“By gathering tribal leaders, experts and knowledge holders across domains, this summit provides a knowledge sharing opportunity for people to learn about how to become more active participants in our foodscape,” Beym said in the release.
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Day-of events will include presentations on the history of food sovereignty, how food serves as medicine and collaboration between tribal nations. There will also be a documentary screening, a resource and demonstration fair, and a student mixer.
The summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. It is free and open to the public, but participants should register at this link by Friday, Sept. 4.
See the full agenda at this link.
Connected community events include a talk from Hollie Mackey, Northern Cheyenne, CEO of ND AgTech Engine, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Haskell Auditorium, 155 Indian Ave. That event will be hosted by the Commons at KU.
Then, Haskell will celebrate Heritage Homecoming, complete with a centennial celebration of the memorial arch and stadium on campus, a powwow and a community bison harvest. Learn more about those events, on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19, in this article.
More food sovereignty initiatives in Douglas County
The Indigenous Food Systems Study and Action Plan is another ongoing project in Douglas County focusing on food sovereignty.
That plan was developed by Indigenous leaders and knowledge-holders, and will guide local policymakers in identifying gaps in access, preservation, and cultural support for Native foodways. The group working on the plan held a launch event in November and the first World Cafe in July.
With partners from KU, Haskell and Douglas County, they will host another World Cafe event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Stidham Hall on Haskell’s campus, 155 Indian Ave.
There will be a presentation and an opportunity for participants to join small groups to talk about their experiences and hopes for Indigenous food systems.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
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