Model Agricultural and Food Codes for Tribal Nations

These resources include examples of model legal code language that can be developed into Tribal statutes or other policies addressing agricultural and food sovereignty, as well as draft language for Tribal resolutions.

GLIFWC Model Food Code

Author(s): Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC)
Date released: December 2020

GLIFWC’s model code focuses on food safety in a traditional wild-harvest context. Designed to assist Tribes in establishing food safety regulations that support the sale of wild-harvested foods, the code contains language Tribes can use to develop a general regulatory framework that protects the sale of these foods, as well as more specific model language on the regulation of meat, fish, produce, low-risk foods, and more.

IFAI Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code

Author(s): Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI)
Date released: 2018

IFAI’s set of model laws offers Tribes a foundational resource to use in developing laws and policies that protect their food systems. The code contains model legal language on a variety of topics, including the establishment of a Tribal Department of Agriculture, agricultural business incorporation statutes, protection of natural resources, and more.

Building Food Sovereignty Initiatives: Plans and Partnerships

There are many different paths that Tribal Nations may choose to follow in building food sovereignty initiatives that meet their unique goals for their food systems, natural resources, and citizens. One of the first steps to deciding the shape of a food sovereignty initiative is assessing existing resources and identifying goals. This section links to various strategic planning and assessment tools that Tribes can use to get started with food sovereignty work, including food sovereignty assessments, resource-banking worksheets and other strategic planning resources, and potential partnerships.

Food Sovereignty Assessment Tool (FSAT), 2nd Edition

Author(s): First Nations Development Institute (FNDI)
Date released: 2014

The FSAT tool supports Tribes in planning to implement food sovereignty initiatives. This comprehensive, workbook-style tool supports Tribally-led data collection efforts that provide a strong, enduring foundation for food systems work.

Tribally-Led Efforts and Case Studies

Tribal Nations are continually developing innovative food sovereignty initiatives and programs that can provide models for other Tribes and governments as they undertake their own efforts. In this section, Tribes can find inspiring case studies of food sovereignty programs, efforts, and initiatives from Tribal Nations across Indian Country.

Oneida Nation Food Sovereignty Strategic Plan

Author(s): Oneida Nation Food Sovereignty Strategic Planning Team
Date released: 2022

The Oneida Nation developed this strategic plan for the Nation’s ongoing food sovereignty efforts, articulating their four foundational goals and discussing how these have shaped the Tribe’s development of specific objectives. The plan is specific to the Oneida Nation but may be a useful starting point for other Tribal Nations as it exemplifies how Tribes can set measurable goals, identify and resolve problems, and move forward with food sovereignty initiatives in support of their citizens and communities.