Food Sovereignty Department
Food Sovereignty Department
The Native Village of Eyak’s Food Sovereignty Department strengthens access to traditional, healthy, and culturally relevant foods for our community.
Grounded in the values of self-determination, respect, and connection to the land and sea, this department brings together two key programs, the Tribal Marketplace and the People’s Pantry, forming a unified, community-driven food system that connects harvesters, families, and culture.
Through these efforts, we are building a stronger, more resilient food network that supports both traditional harvesting and modern food access for all who call Cordova home.
Our Vision
From time immemorial to today, and for generations to come,
we will continue to feed our people and our community.
Why This Matters
Our food systems are about more than nourishment, they are about sovereignty, tradition, and community well-being. They carry the stories of our ancestors, the stewardship of our lands, and the strength of our people.
Together, these programs:
- Strengthen & expand the traditional harvesting, processing, and sharing of fish, wild game, plants, and berries.
- Provide year-round food support through the People’s Pantry, integrating federal programs like TEFAP and FDPIR to meet community needs.
- Bring people together through Tribal Marketplace events, gatherings that celebrate food, knowledge, and culture.
- Offer learning opportunities such as cooking classes, youth harvest camps, and food safety or handling certifications.
- Build local infrastructure, from new processing sheds and walk-in freezers to expanded storage facilities that support harvest and distribution efforts.
Our Commitment
The Food Sovereignty Department is built on a simple promise: to care for one another through the foods that sustain us. It honors the hunters, gatherers, and cooks who continue to carry this work forward, those who share their harvests, teach their skills, and keep our traditions alive.
Food sovereignty means more than growing or distributing food; it means exercising our right to define, protect, and practice our own food systems. It reminds us that food is not just sustenance, but a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and how we care for the generations to come.
FAQ
What is the Food Sovereignty Department?
The Native Village of Eyak (NVE) has created the Food Sovereignty Department to bring together the Tribal Marketplace and People’s Pantry under one shared goal, strengthening access to traditional, healthy, and culturally relevant foods for our community.
Who can use the People’s Pantry?
The People’s Pantry is open to everyone in the Cordova community, both Tribal and non-Tribal households.
It provides access to healthy foods through federal programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
Our goal is simple: no household in Cordova should go without food.
What is the Tribal Marketplace?
The Tribal Marketplace is entering its pilot phase, a new way to bring the community together through local food, culture, and connection.
It will feature:
• Locally harvested and produced foods
• Opportunities for Tribal Members to share and sell their goods
• Cultural demonstrations and cooking showcases
As this program grows, it will become a central gathering place to celebrate and sustain our local food traditions.
Why was this change made?
These programs work together to:
• Support traditional harvesting, processing, and distribution of fish, game, plants, and berries
• Coordinate food assistance through TEFAP and FDPIR to ensure year-round access
• Host Tribal Marketplace events where food, knowledge, and culture are shared
• Offer cooking classes, youth harvest camps, and food safety training
• Build local food infrastructure, including processing sheds, walk-in freezers, and expanded storage
This effort honors the hunters, gatherers, and cooks who have always carried this work forward.
Can I donate my subsistence foods?
Yes! NVE encourages Tribal Members and local harvesters to donate foods such as fish, meat, berries, or mushrooms, packaged to food-quality standards.
Every contribution helps feed families through the People’s Pantry, Tribal Marketplace, and Elder events.
Contact & Hours
Contact the Office of Self-Governance
Director:
Raven Cunningham, raven.cunningham@eyak-nsn.gov
We welcome your ideas, questions, and participation as we shape the future of local food systems together.