Reclaiming Health through Indigenous Food Systems - A discussion on the film “Gather”
08 September 2020, Washington D.C. - FAO North America hosted a panel discussion about the documentary Gather, which shows an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty.
“This film is an attempt for the audience to understand indigenous people, as they understand themselves,” said Vimlendra Sharan, Director of FAO North America, underscoring how the film features indigenous peoples with their own words and perspectives.
Film Director Sanjay Rawal added that his goal was to make a film “that was solutions-based. It allows the storytelling abilities on the ground to drive the story. We did not need outside voices telling someone else’s story.”
“As we move towards the UN Food Systems Summit 2021, we need indigenous people to share their holistic approaches to food systems, health, and sustainable development,” said H.E. Alexandra Bugailiskis, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies based in Rome and Chair of the Group of Friends of Indigenous Peoples in Rome, in her opening remarks. Indigenous peoples can contribute from tremendous bases of knowledge surrounding food systems, which has been neglected and suppressed for too long.
The discussion, moderated by Thomas Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer at FAO North America, featured filmmaker Sanjay Rawal, producers from First Nations Development Institute, Michael E. Roberts (Tlingit), President and CEO of First Nations Development Institute (FNDI), A-dae Romero-Briones (Cochiti/Kiowa), Director of Programs- Native Agriculture and Food Systems at FNDI, and Elsie DuBray (Cheyenne River Sioux Nation), a young indigenous scientist and Stanford student featured in the film.
First Nations Development Institute (FNDI), an American Indian nonprofit in the United States whose mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities, were key producers behind the creation of the film. Michael E. Roberts, President and CEO of FNDI, noted that Native communities have been portrayed as being weak and burdened by economic disadvantages and health crises for too long. Gather depicts how indigenous peoples’ communities are strong, resourceful, and innovative. There is a great deal of human capital and genius among indigenous peoples, and this film is a celebration of their brilliance.
A-dae Romero-Briones provided insight on how the Native communities she supports as Director of Programs- Native Agriculture and Food Systems at FNDI have embraced their traditional customs in response to COVID-19. A-dae also described how COVID-19 has further amplified the breaks in the food supply chains that directly and disproportionately impact remote Native communities. She noted that communities have “leaned into their traditional food systems which has brought them closer to their heritage and has generated a newfound excitement.” This excitement has been especially welcomed by younger generations eager to learn about their traditional food systems, knowing that they will carry forward the knowledge.
Elsie DuBray added on by stating that indigenous youth are at the forefront of the food sovereignty movement. She described her own experience of how elders and youth have a reciprocal relationship of respect, hope and knowledge sharing that propels them forward. Elsie considers Gather to be a significant film because it depicts these aspects of the indigenous peoples’ lives, showing an honest portrayal that will surprise many people's pre-determined notions about Native communities.
Yon Fernández de Larrinoa, Head of FAO’s Indigenous Peoples Unit, emphasized the importance of indigenous women within indigenous peoples’ communities and the health of indigenous food systems. “It is necessary for their voices to be heard and that their work to be recognized, that’s why FAO started the Global Campaign for the Empowerment of Indigenous Women” he added.
Gather offers a unique and in-depth perspective on indigenous peoples’ ways of life, stories, knowledge, attitudes, and identities. Food sovereignty is a cornerstone for these communities and a crucial component in battling the trauma from centuries of genocide and further ensuring customs and traditions live on in future generations.
The event emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the complexity of indigenous peoples’ food systems, their vast traditional knowledge, resilient agricultural practices, all based in centuries of scientific observations and adaptations. This event highlighted that people need to truly hear and follow the lead of indigenous peoples in order to address the world's food security, nutrition, and sustainability challenges.
Further Information:
- Watch a recording of the webinar
- First Nations Development Institute
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