About Indigenous Seed Sovereignty Network
The Indigenous Seed Sovereignty Network is a network of organizations including the...
- Traditional Native American Farmers Association,
- Tohono O’odham Community Association,
- Tsyunhehkw Project at Oneida,
- New Mexico Acequia Association,
- Tesuque Pueblo,
- White Earth Land Recovery Project, and
- Native Hawaiian Farmers.
Together, we are broadening and enriching our discussions related to traditional foods, diabetes, and community food systems. We are keen on the restoration of traditional food knowledge.
We oppose efforts to patent, modify, or otherwise control the food resources which have nourished our communities throughout our history. We organize legislatively against Genetic Engineering of Wild Rice, Taro, and other traditional crops, and actively oppose biopiracy of medicinal and other plants.
Meanwhile, we work to create local food economies which provide healthy, abundant nourishment through traditional methods and seed stocks. From rescue of traditional corn and squash varieties and food preservation techniques at Oneida to broad-based political campaigns in the New Mexico State Legislature, to ongoing programs with our youth and elders, the Network is taking a leading role in preparing for truly sustainable local food economies.
A worldwide movement for food and seed sovereignty is growing- based on community culturally and ecological sustainable agriculture. For instance in Bangladesh, 65,000 families have joined the Nayakrishi farmers’ movement to cultivate community based organic farms. The initiative of combining organic agriculture with ancient farming practices, scientific innovations and reviving traditional crops and diets, is returning food security to people in that region. (Madre 2007)
