The University of California, Davis will host the California Native Plant Foods Celebration and Symposium on February 10. The event, held at the UC Davis Conference Center, aims to highlight the significance of native plant foods in Indigenous cultures and their role in land management, food security, and cultural sovereignty.
Dan Potter, chair of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and lead organizer of the symposium, stated: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to host this symposium on this very important topic. Foods made from California’s native plants make all kinds of connections to issues of cultural sovereignty, food security and land management. This event is meant to inspire dialogue. We’ll share ideas, explore options and see what comes next.”
The symposium will bring together Tribal leaders, researchers, students, food professionals, business owners and community members. Attendees will be able to taste native plant foods such as acorns, berries and black walnuts while learning about traditional preparation methods. Meals at the event are designed in collaboration with local Indigenous-led businesses.
Panelists include Dirk Charley from the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians who connects native plant foods with stewardship practices for lands affected by fire. Charley said: “These food and cultural resources can ‘come back’ in a good way, if we work together with all people and entities involved in the post-fire restoration efforts.”
Florence Dick, also from the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians and an expert in gathering traditions, will demonstrate making string and rope from flannel bush. She commented: “I will be showing how to make string, twine and rope from flannel bush… I’ll also be talking about different natural basket-making materials.”
Michelle Villegas-Frazier—a member of the Pomo Pinoleville community—emphasized policy opportunities: “We have an opportunity to shape policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and ecological knowledge,” she wrote. “Collaboration across disciplines and communities is key to creating sustainable food systems for future generations.” Villegas-Frazier directs the UC Davis Native American Retention Initiative.
Lois Conner Bohna from the North Fork Mono community will demonstrate traditional acorn processing techniques using handwoven baskets. She wrote: “It provides the chance to share our cultural knowledge with the conference attendees (and for them) to gain an appreciation and respect for our customs.” She added: “My hope is to see our food traditions and accompanying stewardship thrive where we live, for the health of our Native communities and our lands… Interested researchers, fire practitioners, government officials and the public can help us achieve these goals.”
The event is supported by several sponsors including The Green Initiative Fund at UC Davis; UC Davis College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; California Native Plant Society; Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria; Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; Farmhand Foundation; Watershed Nursery; Seka Hills winery; as well as multiple departments within UC Davis.
Organizers expect that conversations during this first-of-its-kind symposium may lay groundwork for ongoing cooperation between Tribes and academic institutions regarding land stewardship policies.
Potter expressed gratitude for broad support: “I’m excited and inspired by the high levels of interest we’ve seen and deeply grateful for all of the support we’ve received in sponsorships from campus units, Tribal organizations…[and] companies.”
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