William Means speaking at the Food+Justice=Democracy meeting today

By Eric Holt-Giménez

William Means of the Lakota Nation and founder of the International Indian Treaty Council addressing the Food+Justice=Democracy Conference in Minneapolis. A tribal elder of the American Indian Movement, Bill Means spoke on the issues of control of food as a weapon against indigenous people and the need for food sovereignty. He pointed out that the first nutritional supplement program i the Americas actually began when indigenous peoples gave maize and vegetables to starving pilgrims who arrive, starving on their shores.

Valerie Segrest of the Muckleshoot tribe shared indigenous knowledge about food sovereignty at the Food+Justice=Democracy Conference. She called for us to learn from natural natural diversity that shapes and forms our culture. Foods for the Muckleshoot are their "greatest teachers" and "sacred friends". Our teachers and friends are under attack.