Food sovereignty connects Indigenous peoples across North America.

Food sovereignty connects Indigenous peoples across North America.

Thank you to the leadership and representatives from the Arctic Defense Campaign, the Piscataway Indian Nation, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and the Nansemond Indian Nation for standing together in unity to help protect the lands, waters, and traditional ways of life.

The Lumbee Tribe is honored to have gathered alongside Alaska Native relatives to support the Arctic Defense Campaign, a coalition working to protect the Arctic from destructive oil and gas development, and is upholding Indigenous voices, and that, at its core, means protecting subsistence hunting and fishing.

The Lumbee Tribe gifted the coalition handcrafted centerpieces made with Indigenous plants and other meaningful offerings. Lumbee Chef Pat Dial and Lumbee Pit Master Ray Scott prepared a meal rooted in culture and tradition. With consultation from Chef Joe Rocchi of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the menu honored Lumbee traditions while incorporating Native foods from Virginia. The wild game was hunted by a tribal member. Native teas were handpicked and prepared by tribal members. Every bite and sip reflected generations of knowledge, stewardship, and spiritual strength.

The solidarity fostered through this gathering is invaluable. When we protect food sovereignty, we protect our cultures, our voices, and our future.