EPISODE 1: FIRST NATION
Coming Soon!
This episode starts the series off through conversations with various members of the MicMac and Penobscot tribes to understand how farming and working with the land has evolved over the last few decades as well as the continued potential of cultural preservation going forward.
The episode begins with an interview with MicMac cultural director, John Dennis, who shares some MicMac history around food systems and how foodways have changed over time. I traveled to MicMac farms to tour their trout hatchery with fish farm manager Dave Macek.
In the second half of the episode, I speak with homesteaders, Sikwani and Nathan Dana, about their lifestyle farming on a small scale. Sikwani also shares how her understanding of food sovereignty has been influenced by her being raised Penobscot.
IMPORTANT TERMS
Here are some key terms and ideas touched on in this episode. Please explore the links to learn more.
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Food sovereignty began as a movement in 1996 by La Via Campesina. One definition is the people's rights to healthy and culturally appropriate food, produced through sustainable methods, and their right to define their own agriculture systems. Flipping the dominant needs and demands of markets, it puts the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies.
To learn more check out:
National Family Farm Coalition
FOOD SECURITY
Having access at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life for all household members. - USDA
For more information check out:
Berkely Article: Restoring access to Native foods can reduce food insecurity
Health and Human Services Article: Food Insecurity Statistics
FOOD DESERTS & SWAMPS
Deserts are areas in which access to affordable, healthy food options is restricted or nonexistent because there are no grocery stores or fresh food within convenient traveling distance. - Food is Power
Swamps are areas in which unhealthy food options such as convenient stores and fast food chains significantly outweigh healthy options and grocery stores.
Both are much more commonly found in low-income black and brown communities.
To learn more check out:
DECOLONIZING FOOD SYSTEM
Decolonizing our food system and diets in this context involves indigenous individuals rejecting exploitative practices that arrived with colonialism and instead reconnecting with health, nourishment, and ancestral knowledge through food and farming.
RELATED RESOURCES AND ONGOING PROJECTS
Please explore these resources for further information on Wabanaki food systems and projects happening in Maine.
MICMAC FARMS
Featured on Episode 1, Micmac Farms is located in Caribou, Maine. They grow 4 acres of vegetables each year as well as raise up to 53,000 Maine brook trout in their hatchery each year. Check out their Facebook page here for farmers market hours.
In addition, take a look at the Aroostook Band of Micmac's webpage for a variety of resources
THE DANA HOMESTEAD
Sikwani and Nathan Dana were also featured in Episode 1, and run the Dana Homestead. Check out their social media below to see what they're up to and to learn a bit more about homesteading!
Instagram: @the_dana_homestead
Youtube: The Dana Homestead
TikTok: @the_dana_homestead
WABANAKI REACH
Wabanaki REACH is an organization based in Maine. Their mission statement reads: "We support the self-determination of Wabanaki people through education, truth-telling, restorative justice, and restorative practices in Wabanaki and Maine communities." Check out their website here for more information and event opportunities.
EASTERN WOODLAND REMATRIATION COLLECTIVE
"Eastern Woodlands Rematriation is a collective of Indigenous people restoring the spiritual foundation of our livelihoods through regenerative food systems." Some of their projects include creating and sustaining accessible food and medicine projects. Run entirely by indigenous womxn and two-spirit folx, they strive to decentralize power and raise up indigenous communities. Check out both their facebook page here as well as their page on WhyHunger here
![Nia Project version 2[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5836c9_3668506c611b4202b1cff932ecf71383~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_489,h_378,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/5836c9_3668506c611b4202b1cff932ecf71383~mv2.png)
ABBE MUSEUM
The Abbe Museum is located in Bar Harbor, Maine. Exhibitions and educational programs strive to further understandings and appreciated of Maine's Native American cultures, history, and archeology. Check out their website here for more resources and information.
