Tribal Food Sovereignty & Security

Food Security and Sovereignty in Alaska Native Communities: Recommendations for Improving Language and Inclusivity in Food and Agriculture Programming

The goal of this webpage is to:

Highlight Indigenous-led food assessments and projects that promote tribal food sovereignty; and
Inform state and federal policy and decision makers of Tribal goals and objectives around food; and
Increase awareness of educators and service providers of Tribal goals around food sovereignty.

**We welcome your feedback on this page. Whether it's a missing resource or a statement that isn't accurate, please let us know.**

Food sovereignty and security was outlined in a conceptual framework by the Inuit Circumpolar Council-Alaska in 2015. They found that without food sovereignty, there was no food security. One of the biggest threats to Indigenous Food Security is the lack of decision-making power and management authority for Indigenous communities over the food resources they depend upon.

2021 More than survival, the subsistence tradition sustains meaning for rural Alaska Natives and non-native residents alike, Bureau of Land Management

Statewide Food Security Assessments

2022 Alaska Food Policy Council's Food Security Action Plan, Part 1: Statewide Planning

2022 State of Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force Report & Website

2014 Building Food Security in Alaska, Ken Meter and Megan Phillips Goldenberg

2012 Food System Assessment, Institute of Social and Economic Research, UAA

Tribal & Regional Food Assessments

Athabaskan

2021 Tanana Chiefs Conference Regional Food Assessment and Recommendations

2022-2027 Fairbanks Northstar Borough Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Agriculture Summary

Alutiiq/Sugpiax

Yup'ik & Cup'ik

Alaska Tribal Conservation Districts

22 Tribal conservation districts in Alaska have partnered with USDA to "help people use and manage tribal resources in accordance with their capabilities and needs for protection and improvement. Each party is independent, has its respective responsibilities, yet recognizes the need to coordinate as partners for the successful delivery of all USDA programs."

Examples include:
Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District
Eklutna Tribal Conservation District
Tyonek Tribal Conservation District
Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission