Traditional Foods and Food Sovereignty Program
The Food Security Program at APIA supports efforts to increase knowledge, access, and the use of traditional and local foods in the Aleutian and Pribilof Region. This has been accomplished through sharing knowledge with individuals and communities about the nutritional, sociocultural, spiritual, and economic benefits of traditional foods while working to develop resources that preserve Unangax̂ knowledge region-wide. For more information, contact Kiana Holland.
Food Sovereignty News and Announcements
Interested in Kelp Farming? Check out this article by Alaska Sea Grant about a recent kelp farm training held at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Sciences Center. The Alaska Sea Grant is a great resource for learning more about kelp farming and other mariculture topics. From classroom to coast: Alaskans trained to teach kelp farming
Thriving Indoors: The Benefits of Hydroponic Growing in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Region
The Aleutian and Pribilof Islands are known for their rugged beauty, but the harsh winds, cold temperatures, and limited sunlight create significant challenges for traditional agriculture. Indoor hydroponic growing presents an alternative solution, offering year-round food production that thrives despite the outdoor climate.
Request a workshop with Marisa!: Marisa (UAF Tribal Extension Agent for the region) recently traveled to Unalaska to host a series of Spring Workshops, which included classes on food preservation and gardening. If your community is interested in having a fun, hands-on, research-based workshop in the community (or virtually), fill out the Request a Workshop form below.
Email mnmmckasson@alaska.edu with any questions, or Request a workshop!
Marisa, UAF Tribal Extension Agent, has started a Geodesic Dome Greenhouses Working Group. If your community has a greenhouse, or is interested in greenhouse gardening, reach out to Marisa at: mnmckasson@alaska.edu
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
RurAL CAP Foundation Grant
The Foundation provides small grants to some of the most remote and hardest to serve communities in Alaska, helping organizations access funds for projects that improve, expand and create important programs and services in their communities. Focus areas include Community, Culture, Leadership, Food Security and Environment. Traditionally, the average grant award has been between $2,500 and $10,000. Large award amounts are considered on a case-by-case basis. Next application deadline is August 31st. Apply here
Additional Food Sovereignty Resources
Nutrition Fact Labels
Nutrient Information Graphics
APIA Food Sovereignty Program
Glossary/ Vocabulary
Videos
Resources/ Links
Reports
Reports summarizing the findings from a research project looking at the benefits and risks of traditional foods in the Aleutian and Pribilof islands can be found here. These reports were developed for the communities of Atka and St. Paul as part of a National Institute of Health grant from 2001-2006.