Honoring Indigenous Women as Change-makers in Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems

 In celebration of International Women’s Day, FAO North America and the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit co-hosted a webinar honoring Indigenous Women as change-makers in food systems. North American Indigenous women, who are leaders in research, policymaking, land, water, and seed stewardship, food systems and public health joined as distinguished speakers.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO 2020), Indigenous women represent 6.2 percent of women in the world. In Canada and the United States, there are approximately 4.9 million Indigenous women. For centuries, Indigenous women have been and continue to be central in their cultures and societies as leaders and knowledge holders. Their leadership in fields including policy, law, medicine, food systems, research, land stewardship, nutritional health and food sovereignty are setting the course for current and future generations.

Elder Rose High Bear, Deg Hit’an Dine/Inupiat, opened the session with a song and prayer. Originally from the Athabascan village of McGrath on Alaska’s Kuskoquim River, High Bear now lives in Marion County, Oregon, as the founder of Elderberry Wisdom Farm and former founding Executive Director of Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. Her opening convocation reflected her longstanding dedication to restoring cultural values of respect, honor, and compassion.

“Today as we honor Indigenous women, let me remind the audience that Indigenous women are not only fundamental in their communities, they are relevant for the entire world. Their wisdom and perspectives are central to the well-being and health of our planet and its population,” said Vimlendra Sharan, Director of FAO North America, in his welcoming salute towards Indigenous women globally.

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