Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit

 
Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit

Co-Hosted by Michigan State University and the University of Michigan

April 6-8, 2026 | Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing, MI

Join us for a powerful gathering that celebrates Indigenous food systems, cultural resilience, and community-driven solutions for food sovereignty. This conference brings together Tribal leaders, farmers, scholars, and advocates to share knowledge, build relationships, and inspire action.

Conference Objectives

1. Knowledge Sharing: Share food sovereignty initiatives and traditional foodways to inspire learning, exchange lessons, and strengthen community health and resilience.
2. Vision & Self-Determination: Collectively define the future of Indigenous food sovereignty in the Great Lakes region, grounded in tribal leadership and long-term self-determination.
3. Skill Building & Collaboration: Equip participants with practical skills and highlight collaborative efforts that unite communities, build capacity, and support sustainable, just food systems.

What to Expect:

• Keynote Speakers from Indigenous communities leading food sovereignty efforts
• Workshops on traditional food and harvesting practices, seed saving, land stewardship, and policy advocacy
• Participant conversations and intergenerational storytelling
• Local Indigenous Vendors
• Cultural Performances and ceremonies honoring the land and its people

Why It Matters:

Food sovereignty is more than access: it's about reclaiming ancestral knowledge, protecting sacred relationships with the land, and ensuring that future generations thrive. This conference is a space to uplift Indigenous voices and build pathways toward sustainable, self-determined food systems.