First Nations and Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative Release Two New Publications

LONGMONT, Colorado and FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (Nov. 20, 2014) – First Nations Development Institute (First Nations [ http://www.firstnations.org ]) and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI [ http://law.uark.edu/ifai/ ]) at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville today jointly released two new publications that will prove valuable for Native American farmers, ranchers and food processors, as well as tribal policymakers.

The publications are free and available for download from First Nations' Knowledge Center at this link: http://www.firstnations.org/knowledge-center/foods-health [ http://www.firstnations.org/knowledge-center/foods-health ] (Note: you may have to create a free account to download the reports if you don't already have one.)

The reports, which were generously underwritten by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation [ http://www.wkkf.org ] through funding to First Nations, are:

"Why a Model Food and Agriculture Code is Needed in Indian Country" by Janie Simms Hipp, J.D., LL.M. (Chickasaw), who is the director of IFAI.

"Maneuvering Challenges: An Overview of Food Safety for Tribal Producers" by Vena A-dae Romero, J.D., L.L.M. (Cochiti/Kiowa), who is a graduate of the LL.M. (Master of Laws) program in Agriculture and Food Law at the University of Arkansas, and the first Native lawyer graduate of the program since the launch of IFAI. A-dae was supported by First Nations during her program and is now a consultant to First Nations.

According to First Nations President Michael Roberts, First Nations, through its Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI), "has become the largest funder in Indian Country of tribal agriculture and food-system projects that are specifically geared toward establishing or reclaiming control of Native food systems – for purposes of improved nutrition and health, for asset control, and for broader tribal economic development." Raymond Foxworth, First Nations' deputy director and senior program officer who directly oversees NAFSI, reinforced that achievement and added that "these new publications are resources, along with many others we offer, that help us reach those goals. They further expand the knowledge base that supports Native leaders, farmers, ranchers, gardeners and others involved in the food chain, all for the benefit of Native nations."

"We are honored and appreciate the support that enables us to work alongside First Nations and NAFSI to improve the knowledge base for Native leaders," noted IFAI's Janie Simms Hipp. "The importance of tribal governments' actions in the space of policy development for Indian Country is real, but adopting a model food code cannot be done overnight and requires specialized attention. But the end result is a more stable food system for tribes, which is a goal we all share."

About First Nations Development Institute

For 34 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.firstnations.org [ http://www.firstnations.org ].

About The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) at the University of Arkansas School of Law works in multi-disciplinary ways to support tribal governance in food and agriculture; business development in tribal food and agriculture; and professional and youth educational development, specifically in the areas of legal and policy issues important to the success and support of tribal food, agriculture, health, nutrition and economic development. IFAI also provides education to the next generation of food and agriculture lawyers who will serve Indian Country. For more information, visit http://law.uark.edu/ifai/ [ http://law.uark.edu/ifai/ ].