Seeds of Sovereignty, Roots of Wellness

Every seed we plant is more than food—it is a promise. In November, during Native American Heritage Month, we honor our ancestors’ relationship to the land through community gardening and food sovereignty. For the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, gardening is medicine, culture, and survival.

The Crisis in Numbers

Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 Native households[^1]. A USDA report found that AI/AN communities are more than twice as likely to experience hunger compared to white households[^2]. Diet-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease continue to rise when traditional foodways are disrupted.

The Impact on Indigenous Communities

For Wampanoag people, gardening is more than calories—it’s sovereignty. Our gardens hold traditional plants like corn, beans, squash, and medicinal herbs that connect us to ancestors and sustain future generations. Losing access to these foods means losing health, culture, and language.

Recognizing Signs of Food Insecurity

• Families skipping meals or eating smaller portions
  
• Dependence on processed or fast foods
  
• High rates of diet-related illness
  
• Youth lacking access to fresh vegetables and fruits
  

Pathways to Prevention

• Community Gardens: Elders teaching youth how to grow and harvest traditional foods.
  
• Greenhouses & Composting: Year-round gardening that preserves soil and seeds.
  
• Nutrition Education: Cooking classes using corn, beans, squash, and fish.
  
• Food Sovereignty Advocacy: Supporting policies that protect Indigenous food systems.
  

What You Can Do

• For yourself: Plant even a small pot of herbs or vegetables.
  
• For families: Cook at least one traditional meal a week.
  
• For community: Volunteer at the greenhouse, donate seeds, or share harvests with neighbors.
  

📌 Resources for Community Gardening & Food Sovereignty

1. Intertribal Agriculture Council – indianag.org
   
2. USDA Office of Tribal Relations – www.usda.gov/tribalrelations
   
3. Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) – nativefoodalliance.org
   
4. First Nations Development Institute – Food & Nutrition – www.firstnations.org
   
5. Local Resource: Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribal Greenhouse (contact Outreach Coordinator)
   

Closing

Every seed planted is an act of resistance. Every harvest is an act of sovereignty.

Together, we heal.