Food Sovereignty
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tó Nizhóní Ání directed its resources into supporting community members with protective equipment. In 2022, the Food Sovereignty Campaign was founded to move from relief to solution: to build the community's own ability to feed itself instead of depending on emergency aid.
OUR WORK
ADAPTATION
Drought and late rains are changing what it takes to farm on Black Mesa. We build hoop houses with families so crops have a protected place to grow. Our watershed crew builds structures that slow the water and hold the soil the fields depend on.
RESTORATION
Many traditional farm plots have gone unused simply because posts and gates needed to be repaired. We fix them, help with tilling, plowing and planting so families can go back to farming their land.
EMPOWERMENT
Our workshops teach skills meant to be passed forward, from preparing garden beds to saving seeds. We also help farmers keep records and work toward farm permits, so this way of life can continue.
FOOD SOVEREIGNTY NEWS
International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The Year spotlights the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Here at Tó Nizhóní Ání, we're highlighting our Food Sovereignty Coordinator, Audrey Narinkdrankura, from the Hardrock community on Dził Yíjiin (Black Mesa region) in the Navajo Nation.
OUR FUNDER
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) grew out of Keepseagle v. Vilsack, a class-action lawsuit Native farmers and ranchers brought in 1991 discrimination in U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs dating back to 1991. After the settlement paid individual claims, the money that went unclaimed was placed in a 20 year trust with one purpose: put it back into Native agriculture.
WHAT'S NEXT
Harvest is a time to reflect on successes, challenges, and plans for the next season.
- A record of the seasons. We’re putting together a record of what families and workshop participants who have planted, built and harvested since 2022, to guide next season’s planning and be shared with other growers.
- Water back in the Fields. We are working to reconnect the Tsiyi’ Tó wash to the floodplains where the crops grow, so water can reach the historical plot again.
Reach out to our Restoration Program Manager to be part of our next season.
CONTACT US
Audrey Narindrankura
Food Sovereignty Coordinator
Audrey@tonizhoniani.org
Andrew Atencia
Restoration Program Manager
Andrew@tonizhoniani.org
