Empowering Sicangu Families Through Food Sovereignty

For generations, our Sicangu people nurtured a deep connection to the land, cultivating our own food and fostering self-sufficiency. When our people had access to buffalo and were able to harvest our wild foods and medicines, we were among the healthiest and happiest people in the world.

However our traditional foodways were decimated by westward expansion and colonization. From the mass slaughter of the buffalo to the subjugation of our people to reserverations --- were were forced into dependency and lack of choice. The destruction of our lifeways have had long-lasting and widespread negative health impacts.

Amidst these challenges, there is a strong desire among families to reclaim their right to nutritious, culturally relevant food. Sicangu Co has worked to develop a community garden, farmers' market, and training and apprenticeship programs. However, due to the very rural nature of the reservation, many families still struggle to access fresh, nutritious food.

In order to support families address that need, for the past two years Sicangu Co has worked with families across the reservation to install home gardens. This year, we would like to reach even more families by installing 60 new home gardens for families. Additionally, we will be expanding beyond home gardens and also supporting families with home harvesting of traditional foods and medicines.

🍅The Home Garden Project will provide families with:

Seeds, starter plants grown by community growers, traditional gardens, elevated beds for elders, labor to till new ground mixed with compost and broad forking for softer ground, composters, as well as garden & compost education.

🌱The Wild Foods and Medicines Harvester Project will provide families with:

Buckets, shovels, scissors, ziploc bags, little first aid kits, wild foods and medicines identification booklet, harvester and wilderness safety booklet (poison ivy, snakes etc), and a few harvesting events.

Every seed planted, every harvest gathered is a testament to the resilience and determination of Sicangu people. It's a declaration of independence from a food system that has long overlooked our needs and traditions. By supporting initiatives that promote food sovereignty, you're not just donating to a cause; you're joining a larger movement towards empowerment and self-determination.

Seeding Sustainability: Building Home Gardens for the Oyate🥕

By Sicangu Community Development Corporation

Seeding Sustainability: Building Home Gardens for the Oyate🥕

This spring you can help Sicangu families reconnect with their land and food through home gardening