The SoCal Tribal Food Sovereignty Gathering at Coastal Roots Farm is an opportunity for Tribal members in Southern California that are actively cultivating or interested in joining the food sovereignty movement among Indigenous Nations. Examples of people active in food sovereignty work include Tribal farmers, seed keepers, land stewards, hunters, livestock owners, foragers, botanists, fishers, medicine makers, and cooks.
The Gathering will include learning sessions, networking between Tribal community members, and shared meals provided by the Farm. This event is intended for Tribal community members and those working directly with Tribal communities.
Sunday, October 21st from 9:30am - 3pm
Participants are encouraged to carpool and transportation scholarships are available upon request! To request transportation support to/from the Gathering at Coastal Roots Farm, please note the request in the "additional information" section of the registration form or email megan@coastalrootsfarm.org
9:30am- Arrival & Light Bites
10:00am- Welcome
10:30am- Traditional Kumeyaay Rock Drop Catchments
- Michael Connolly Miskwish will present on varied rock drop catchments that were used by many Indigenous Nations in arid climates. This technique has been duplicated in conservation/restoration projects throughout the southwest to enhance wetlands.
11:15am- Funding Food for Thought
- Join representatives from local philanthropic organizations for a casual conversation on funding opportunities and food sovereignty project success stories. Speakers invite participants to bring their own questions, project ideas, and funding challenges.
12:00pm- Lunch by Chef Reyleene Elliott
1:00pm- Land Management as a Place-Based Way of Life
- Ali Menders-Knight and Alex Zubia will share about the Traditional Ecological Knowledge certification program which centers Indigenous land management concepts to prepare an ecologically trained workforce. This workforce is essential in restoring abundant and resilient native ecosystems which host an abundance of culturally significant species for food, fiber, and medicine.
2:30pm- Closing & Reflections
2:45pm- Optional Coastal Roots Farm Tour