CME Indigenous Media: Decolonization Programming and Solutions
Kenhtè:ke Kanyen'kehà:ka
Food Sovereignty Project
Two Row Coffee & Tea Company
Kenhtè:ke Paranormal Society
Kanyen'keha Culture & Language
Founder: Sha'tekayen:ton Andrew Brant,Kenhtè:ke Kanyen'kehà:ka Turtle Clan
Help Put An End to Food Deserts by Donating to The Kenhtè:ke Kanyen'kehà:ka Food Sovereignty Project
Colonization has been key in creating food deserts and destruction of the land and water through industrialization without Indigenous consultation. Our goal is to provide Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with fresh produce year round, while revitalizing the soil with fungal cultures that help greatly in remediation of the soil which in turn creates clean runoff into the Bay of Quinte and surrounding watersheds.
This project will improve the community physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally ensuring a better quality of life. The Kenhtè:ke Kanyen'kehà:ka Food Sovereignty Project is designed to be replicated in Indigenous, Black and underserved communities
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram @TheCredibleMohawk to learn more about the project.
CME Indigenous Media was awarded a grant through the Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Charity Pot program to clear land, and install a greenhouse and community gardens. We still need your help! You can donate by etransfer to: decolonize@thecrediblemohawk.com
Or click here and head to our page dedicated to The Community.
Indigenous people are at a higher risk of health-related issues such as diabetes and heart disease which, without a healthy diet, can be fatal; and the installation of gardens and greenhouses immediately begin addressing this issue. Additionally, the Tyendinaga population must drive 30-45 minutes for fresh food, as they are in a food desert which creates health problems among an already vulnerable population. The pandemic throws more barriers into play, as the rising cost of fuel and food has lowered accessibility while raising physical and mental health issues.
Due to the factors above, there was a clear need for accessible, healthy food. Thankfully, our community has the Community Food Resource Center and the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre, however, these initiatives are not enough to meet the current need of food insecurity infrastructure.
Since the time of colonization, Indigenous communities have witnessed a drastic decline in - and an effort in colonial powers and structures to erase - the health and integrity of Indigenous sovereignty, this includes the rights and needs of culture, ecosystems, social structures, and knowledge systems which are integral to our ability to respond to our own needs for adequate amounts of healthy Indigenous foods.
Indigenous food sovereignty provides a restorative framework for health and community development and a step forward in truly beginning reconciling past social and environmental injustices in an approach that people of all cultures can relate to.
