As Native American Heritage Month arrives in full swing, the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) gives pause to remember and celebrate the impactful contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native agricultural producers. The mission of IAC is strengthened by their unwavering devotion to and for this nation, steady hearts resounding with loud laughter and rich stories across Indian Country. From the bright shores of Alaska to the bayous of Louisiana, IAC staff traveled throughout the country this past year to support Tribes and Native producers that showcase the diversity of products under the Made/Produced By American Indians trademark.
As part of our mission, we remain committed to regenerative approaches that promote holistic environmental stewardship, which seeks to honor future generations. We do this through the Rege[N]ation Pledge and Seal, exclusively available to Native producers whose operations promote environmental stewardship while honoring traditional, cultural, and Native agricultural wisdom. IAC’s American Indian Foods and Natural Resources programs work collaboratively with producers who pledge to contribute to sustainable ecological outcomes that improve our land, water, and communities.
For Brigette McConville, owner of Salmon King Fisheries and a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon, environmental stewardship and cultural heritage are a way of life. “My grandma used to call me a culture keeper,” she says. “Just taking care of our people, our culture, and our way of life has always been a part of me.” Brigette has built a successful and busy life hand-making her fish products directly sourced from the Columbia River. Salmon King Fisheries, a licensed user of the Made/Produced by American Indians trademark and Rege[N]ation Seal and Pledge, opened its doors over 14 years ago and now offers 28 products in-store and online, including catering services.
“I have a market where people will say, ‘Yeah, get your dry fish from Brigette because she learned from her grandma.’”
Brigette’s salmon operation weaves traditional teachings of food harvesting, preparation, and preservation methods with values rooted in respectful and reciprocal relations to the land, water, and fish. Her story exemplifies the spirit of the Rege[N]ation Pledge and Seal, where Native Regenerators are not only producers but also culture keepers, feeding and healing the people and landscapes.
Join us in supporting Native Regenerators by donating to IAC today. Your gift helps a resilient, interconnected network of Native producers devoted to sustainable agricultural practices.
We could not do this meaningful work without the generosity of supporters like you. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Advancement Officer, Wayne Ducheneaux, at 605-200-1064 or wayne@indianag.org.
We sincerely appreciate your consideration and wish you a season filled with warmth and happiness.
Kari Jo Lawrence
Chief Executive Officer, Intertribal Agriculture Council
Want to support Native Regnerators directly? This holiday season, shop curated gifts from the American Indian Foods Trademark Directory, recognized for environmental stewardship and made by American Indian and Alaska Native producers.