Last week, I had the privilege of attending the NW Tribal Food Sovereignty Coalition gathering at Heritage University in the Yakama Nation, Toppenish, Washington. Representing the Zaníyan Center, I was deeply inspired by the experience. For those unfamiliar, "Zaníyan" is a Lakota word meaning a state of health or wholeness. While much of our work focuses on outreach to tribal communities, Zaníyan serves people from all nations.

The Event

At the event, we set up a table to give away seeds and sell my books, Circle for the Earth and The Eagletree Herbs Guide to Herbal Medicine Making. The proceeds from these sales go directly to support Zaníyan’s mission. This was the first event where we had both books available, and it was not only fun but also an incredible networking opportunity. I hope to participate in more events like this, so if you know of any upcoming fairs or festivals where a Zaníyan Center booth would be welcome, please let me know.

Why Tribal Food Sovereignty Matters

Food sovereignty is crucial for anyone looking to reduce dependence on the corporations that dominate our food supply. However, Tribal Food Sovereignty is particularly unique as it involves preserving cultural traditions related to food gathering, preservation, and the protection of native food sources. The cultural genocide experienced by Native peoples has resulted in the loss, or the need to relearn, much of this knowledge. The few remaining elders are now passing on this wisdom, making gatherings like the one I attended last week essential for preserving and promoting this invaluable heritage.

What I Learned

I learned a great deal at this gathering and left feeling inspired and energized. The event featured a traditional food fair with prizes, meals highlighting traditional foods, and hands-on workshops on preparing salmon and deer (including skinning and butchering), setting up tipis, making cedar root huckleberry baskets, birth justice and first foods, farm tours, and storytelling. It was wonderful to talk to so many people about Zaníyan, share the glass gem corn seeds I grew, and connect with new readers for my books both Circle for the Earth and the new book Eagletree Herbs Guide for Medicine Making.

About Zaníyan Center

Zaníyan Center is committed to offering workshops and publishing educational materials that support our vision and mission:

• We believe in the power of plants for health and healing—mind, body, heart, and spirit.
• We support the development of sustainable, resilient food systems that uphold food sovereignty and create food security.
• We recognize the profound impact that birthing, breastfeeding, and early childhood care have on both individual lives and the future welfare of the planet.
• We respect and care for our elders, understanding that their knowledge and wisdom are precious resources essential for the survival and well-being of all cultures and heritage.
• We advocate for loving and dignified end-of-life care, with the belief that remains after death are sacred and should be treated with respect.
• We anticipate and prepare for disruptions in our current systems and infrastructure, whether due to natural disasters, economic challenges, or social upheavals. We strive for self-reliance and greater self-sufficiency.
• We believe that the permaculture principles of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share can help heal the earth and create a better world.

How You Can Help

Zaníyan Center is in need of volunteers! We’re currently looking for a grant writer to help us secure funding for a part-time administrative role, as well as someone to assist with outreach. Many tasks can be done virtually, such as updating our website, creating online resource guides, and sourcing donations for more seeds and plant starts to give away. If you’re in Eugene, we’d love your help digging up plants to distribute. Please visit our website at Zaníyan.org and contact us for more information.