Boost Indigenous Food Sovereignty with AONSK
Donation protected
Alliance of Native Seedkeepers is ready to launch our Indigenous Grower’s Program in an effort to honor the stewardship, Living Ways and Food Sovereignty efforts of our Relatives across Turtle Island. AONSK is a Native-owned benefit corporation, devoted to reconnecting Indigenous People to our ancestral food ways and restoring the sacred relationship between these seeds and our communities. AND - WE GOT OUR OWN BUILDING!!
First, who are we are serving? This is for the seed bearers – who are often the knowledge keepers, language holders, cultural elders and fire keepers of our communities. These funds will help us honor Our Relatives who have worked the land since time immemorial, often without resources or support – stewarding our homelands with a line unbroken. We remove barriers, open access and help build capacity for the next generation of Indigenous growers.
To achieve these ambitions, we have secured our first property to house our seed operations! This 1950s building has solid bones but needs some TLC...
- Leak repairs, insulation, and ceiling panels
- Modern lighting and electrical systems
- Accessibility improvements
- Climate control to keep us comfy and maintain our seeds’ quality
As we grow, we’ll need..
- Shelving, dry storage, a seed cooler, a larger germination chamber, and freezers for organic pest control to manage insect infestations in newly received seeds
- Improved shipping stations, order-picking floors
- Welcoming area for walk-in customers and community hangouts
We have come a longggg way from a corner in a small apartment then a small room in our small house to running electricity through an extension cord to a shed in our home's yard to this new headquarters - amazing! We will never stop growing but this is a huge step for us. One that we couldn’t do without YOU, our supporters. With this expansion, we will have the space and capacity to fulfill our mission and vision.
The funds will be used to do the following work:
- Decolonize the process of contract growing for Indigenous growers
- Identify their needs, what’s best for them to grow and assist in increasing yields for seeds
- Offer resources and educational information and further development around seed saving, seed cleaning, seed banks and protocols for working with these sacred seeds
- Distribute resources directly to Indigenous growers
- Assist AONSK in developing, launching and tooling this program for success across Turtle Island
- Create a safe place of connection for Indigenous growers, where communication, process and relations are Indigenous Led
- Launch a grant matching program for Indigenous growers
- Remove obstacles and barriers for contract growers who want to serve in this market
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES AND PLEASE SHARE WHAT YOU CAN!!
Organizer
Elizabeth Roach
Organizer
Windsor, NC