2024 Sicangu Co Food Summit🌿
Enjoy an array of photography captured during this years Food Summit.📸
Photo credits go out to Laura Moore and Chun Guerue from our Marketing & Storytelling Team and Karen Moore, our Sicangu Food Sovereignty Manager.
Mushroom Log Inoculation/Mushroom Showcasing with the knowledgeable Fredrick Fast Horse Jr. from Rick’s Microfarm! In this session, Fred covered the process of mushroom log inoculation with lion’s mane and oyster mushroom spores, as well as tips and techniques for successful mushroom cultivation. This was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to bring new, sustainable practices to their own garden or farm!🍄 Fred is also our Lakota Foods Coordinator at our Lakota immersion school, Wak̇aŋyeja Ki Ṫokeyaḣc̄i.
Nourishing Womb Sovereignty with Zintkala Mahpiyah Win Black Owl: Hesapa Birth Circle✨ In this powerful session, Zintkala Mahpiya Win shared her insights into Traditional Birth work, drawing from her experiences as a Traditional Indigenous Midwife, Mother, and Grandmother. Attendees delved into the sacred ceremony of birth and explored why investing in Womb Sovereignty is crucial. This session revealed the inseparable connection between food sovereignty and womb sovereignty, affirming that we are the land.
Making Bapa with the skilled Sharon Fool Bull 🦬 In this hands-on workshop, we got the opportunity to learn the traditional practice of preserving buffalo meat and make bapa, or air-dried meat, just like our ancestors did. This was a unique chance to connect with our Lakota ways & gain practical skills in traditional food preservation.🌾
Water Bath Canning Class with the amazing Margaret O’Connor! In this hands-on session, Margaret walked through the essentials of hot water bath canning, sharing her expert knowledge and tips. She shared a comprehensive rundown of hot water bath canning basics, demonstrations of essential tools and tricks to make the process, smoother, and did live canning demonstrations featuring both tomato sauce and jam.
We shared a private screening of the documentary “Food 2050”. The Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative was awarded the Food System Vision Prize and is featured in the documentary! 📽️
On the menu was Seared Bison with Blueberry Dipping Sauce, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Wild Rice and Cranberries, Corn Bread, and Chokecherry Wojapi served by the multi-talented Troi Lynn Waln of Zaniya Co.🍴
Attendees participated in a Plant Walk with the knowledgeable Hollis Flowers, an Italian herbalist and invasive plant forager from the 13th Seat Herbal Project. They went on a plant walk to identify Indigenous plants and discovered the rich biodiversity of our land and its medicinal plants. Hollis, who is part of the Black Bull family through hunka Tiospaye, also works as a gardener at the Chewbacca Collective Garden in Mni Luzahan. 🌱
Some Sicangu Co employees volunteered our time to provide child care for any children attending the event with their tiwáhe’s (families).🎈
Akiptan’s Lending and Programming Opportunities with the inspiring Dawn E LeBeau! Dawn introduced us to Akiptan’s mission to revolutionize Native agriculture and food economies. We learned about Akiptan’s innovative lending model, programming opportunities for both adults and youth, and strategies to enhance producer prosperity across Indian Country. This was a perfect opportunity to understand how Akiptan is leading paradigm changes and delivering creative capital to support our communities.
“Keeping Goats” with the dynamic duo Deanna Eagle Feather and Dinky the Goat from Kaiyote Hills. Attendees learned about the basics of goat maintenance and care, essential tips for raising goats for various purposes, and insight into the benefits and considerations of keeping goats. 🐐
“Sustainable Business Practices: Integrating Beekeeping, Greenhouse Gardening, and Handcrafted Artisanal Products” with the brilliant Christy Red Bird from Lakota Agriculture and Designs! Christy guided through sustainable business practices, the benefits of beekeeping for your business and the environment, the importance and techniques of greenhouse gardening, and the artistry and creativity involved in producing handcrafted artisanal products like beadwork and ribbon skirts. 👗
Small Business Ag Loans with Natasha Eagle Star from Tatanka Funds!💼 In this insightful session, Natasha guided us through the world of Small Business Agriculture micro loans. This presentation provided us with invaluable information on securing the funding we may need and step-by-step guidance on how Tatanka Funds can assist you in applying for and receiving a loan.💵
Right/Bottom: We ended the day with a Q&A panel moderated by Shania Black Bear. Our panel included Michelle Haukaas with Sicangu Co FSI, Wayne Fredrick, one of our board members, Alex Fredrick, an Oglala Lakota artist and rancher, Vi Waln, a Sicangu Lakota Journalist, and Auriah Prue, a Sicangu Lakota small business owner and artist.