The Traditional Foods Security program supports initiatives to reduce the reliance on the food systems of the continental United States through the promotion of Indigenous food sovereignty. The program encourages self-sufficiency by removing barriers between traditional foods and tribal citizens and reviving the skills that have supported communities since time immemorial. Efforts include the collection of traditional knowledge, hosting hands-on demonstrations, supporting youth with holistic harvesting practices, educating tribal citizens on how traditional foods impact our culture, providing crucial safety training in rural communities, and managing a Tribe-wide food distribution program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must provide proof of tribal citizenship to receive traditional foods during community distributions.
Application Process
Registration for food distributions is coordinated in partnership with local Tlingit & Haida Community Councils.
Traditional Food Security Fireweed Harvesting
Sealaska intern Alicia Maryott works with Tlingit & Haida’s Traditional Food Security team in Hydaburg, AK to harvest traditional foods and medicines.
She shows how to pick fireweed petals and process them into jelly.
Traditional Food Security Salmon Processing
Claude Young with Tlingit & Haida’s Traditional Food Security Department shows how process sockeye salmon for the smokehouse.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Newman’s Own Foundation for providing the funding to make these videos possible.
Traditional Food Security Fireweed Tea Preparation
Alicia Maryott works with Tlingit & Haida’s Traditional Food Security Department to harvest foods and medicines.
She shows how turn fireweed leaves into fermented tea which is great for stomach ailments.
Traditional Food Security Halibut Fishing & Processing
Tlingit & Haida’s Traditional Food Security Department wants to give people the information they need to fish for and process halibut.
Food Security Program Coordinator Claude Young takes us out on water outside of Hydaburg, AK and shows how to set a traditional halibut skate and process the fish.