Native American Heritage Month acknowledges and celebrates Native American people—their unique cultures, experiences and foodways—as well as bridges the gap between Tribal community needs and national public health policy. Food sovereignty, defined as the ability to grow, harvest, process, distribute and consume your own food, lays the foundation to help bridge this gap.

To better understand how to support Tribal food sovereignty and increase food and nutrition security among Native Americans, we spoke with Kelli Case, JD, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation who serves as a senior staff attorney at the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI). The organization is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development and Tribal food traditions. Additionally, she is a mentor team member for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Community Innovation and Outreach Project (WIC CIAO) subgrantees and an Advisory Working Group member for other WIC projects at the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact.

“[My] experiences have driven my passion for equitable food policies that address the unique needs of diverse communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Case said.

Case had the privilege of growing up on the Chickasaw Nation reservation where her parents encouraged her to participate in as many outreach and community engagement opportunities as possible to deeply connect with those around her. This profoundly shaped Case’s views on health equity, food sovereignty and nutrition security in the United States.

“Growing up in rural Oklahoma, I became involved in agriculture, even if indirectly. This, combined with some teenage angst, shaped my perspective,” she said. “I grew up around my family’s allotted land and assumed everyone had similar access to their history, roots and culture. However, around junior high, I realized this wasn’t the case, which sparked a sense of righteous anger. The type you can only find in a newly minted teenager.”

Case’s love for her tribe, active involvement in her youth and drive for justice, along with her agricultural background and participation in Future Farmers of America, compelled her to pursue an agricultural business degree from Oklahoma State University. She shared that her background was invaluable in law school, where she took a special interest in Federal Indian law at the University of Tulsa.

IFAI’s mission is unique in its focus on putting Tribal sovereignty at the heart of food sovereignty.

“What sets IFAI apart from other institutions is our comprehensive approach to supporting Tribal sovereignty in food systems,” Case said. “We provide [support to] Tribal governments, producers and food businesses through IFAI’s educational resources, policy research and strategic legal analysis. This empowers them to build and sustain resilient food economies that are culturally relevant and economically viable.”

Case’s legal team supports IFAI’s vision by working closely with Tribal communities to understand their unique needs and challenges. According to Case, Tribes know the issues they face better than anyone else—and they also know what is best for their people and how to improve nutrition programs.

“Every Tribe is unique, with diverse governments, cultures, histories and experiences that shape how they address the challenges their communities face,” Case explained. "Adequately addressing Tribal nutrition requires listening to the advice of Tribal leaders and expanding Tribal control of programs.”

IFAI offers tailored educational programs that enhance knowledge and skills in food production, business management and legal frameworks, and help Tribes navigate complex regulatory environments and policies that support their food sovereignty and economic goals.

“For as long as I can remember, the mission statement of the Chickasaw Nation has been ‘to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.’ [...] So much of Chickasaw Nation’s mission is driven by ensuring their people have access to the health support and services they need to be successful.”

Case shared that her experiences have instilled in her a strong appreciation for the importance of community support, access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food, and her Tribe’s capacity for and responsiveness to the needs of its citizens and the community at large.

Additionally, Case’s involvement in community outreach programs and education in agricultural business and Federal Indian policy have reinforced her commitment to supporting health equity. She believes that every community—especially Indigenous communities—should have the resources and support necessary to maintain their health and cultural practices through secure and sovereign food systems.

“We cannot be truly sovereign unless we can feed ourselves,” she said. “[IFAI’s] work empowers communities to make the changes they want to see and access the programs, resources and assistance needed to achieve their food and agricultural goals. We are creating economic opportunities while also increasing Tribal food security and access. My hope is my work supports the continued growth and momentum.”

As someone who has been involved in Tribal food and agriculture systems for decades, Case expressed how passionate she is about supporting and empowering the next generation of Native American agriculturalists.

“There is a distinct need for more Native Americans in all fields, especially food and agriculture. IFAI helps build the next generation of Native agriculturalists through our programs and partnerships, whether it’s our annual Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, internships, the work the Native American Student Services does for Native students at the University of Arkansas or by supporting our partners with their outreach and events.”

As for what she would tell young people interested in agriculture?

“Come on in! As a student and then a young professional, I could not have asked for a more supportive network of people. Truly all I had to do was ask. There were many people ready and willing to offer mentorship, advice, guidance and support. Now I get the chance to do the same for the next generation of people who want to do this work.”

In reflecting on what Native American Heritage Month meant to her, Case shared that this observance holds profound significance for her as a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. “It is a time to celebrate and honor the rich history, culture and contributions of Native American communities.”

To best support Tribal communities during Native American Heritage Month and throughout the year, Case shared the following recommendations:

Educate yourself: Learn about the history, culture and current issues facing Native American communities. Understanding the context and challenges is crucial for meaningful support.

Support Tribal businesses: Purchase goods and services from Native-owned businesses to help sustain and grow Tribal economies. The American Indian Foods program is a great starting point for finding Native food businesses.

Champion policy changes: Support policies that promote health equity, food sovereignty and economic development in Native communities. Representation can lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for many.

Participate in cultural events: Attend events and activities that celebrate Native American culture. This not only shows support but also helps to keep traditions alive. If there are not events nearby, visiting Tribal cultural centers and museums offer another great way to connect and learn.

Volunteer and donate: Offer time or resources to organizations that work directly with Native communities, such as IFAI, which focuses on advancing healthy food systems and economic development.

“By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to the well-being and prosperity of Tribal communities, ensuring that their rich cultural heritage is honored and preserved for future generations.”

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Partner Feature: Kelli Case

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