Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are co-hosting the first Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit, which will take place on MSU’s campus in April.
The April 6-8 summit will bring together Tribal leaders, farmers, scholars and advocates “to uplift Indigenous voices and build pathways toward sustainable, self-determined food systems,” according to organizers, while allowing space to reflect on the priorities, values and needs identified by Tribal producers, colleges, nations and communities.
Co-hosts include MSU’s Native American Institute and MSU Extension and U-M’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
“The summit represents an important opportunity to come together and honor Indigenous culture and traditions while supporting community-driven solutions that strengthen food sovereignty,” NAI Director Kevin Leonard said. “We’re creating space for shared learning, cultural resilience and collaborative action that will benefit current and future generations.”
Food sovereignty supports peoples’ rights to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecological and sustainable methods. Within Indigenous communities, this also reflects the value placed on caring for the land and all living beings.
Kyle Whyte, George Willis Pack professor of environment and sustainability at the University of Michigan and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, will deliver the keynote address. Whyte will share insights from his work on how Indigenous knowledge and governance inform responses to climate change, conservation and sustainable food systems.
The gathering will help shape the future of Indigenous food sovereignty in the Great Lakes region while equipping participants with practical skills to unite communities and support sustainable, just food systems. Workshops will focus on traditional food and harvesting practices, seed saving, land stewardship and policy advocacy. The summit will also include conversations and intergenerational storytelling; local Indigenous vendors; and cultural performances and ceremonies to honor the land and its people.
Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for University Outreach and Engagement, where NAI is housed, spoke to the importance of hosting the summit on MSU’s campus.
“As a land-grant institution, MSU has a long-standing mission to support communities through education, research and outreach connected to agriculture, food systems and stewardship of the land,” Brookins said.
MSU Tribal Extension Educator Emily Proctor said the summit reflects long-term collaboration between university and Tribal partners and affirms “our shared commitment to supporting Tribal sovereignty.”
“For Michigan State University — as a land-grant institution — to host an event centered on land, sovereignty and food sends a powerful message,” she said. "It demonstrates our commitment to listening, partnering and holding ourselves to a higher standard of engagement with Tribal nations.”
She anticipates continued collaboration beyond the event to support education programs aligned with community-identified needs, a deeper understanding of Tribal food systems, and the health and well-being of people.
Register to attend by visiting the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource’s website.
This story originally appeared on the University Outreach and Engagement website.
