Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm is Advancing Food Sovereignty for the Next Generation

At Mino Bimaadiziiwin (The Good Life) Tribal Farm on the Red Cliff Reservation in Northwest Wisconsin, food sovereignty is inextricably connected to advancing social justice, racial equity, and food system transformation. An Indigenous-owned farm operated by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Mino Bimaadiziiwin provides services for the community and surrounding areas through programs like their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), plant and seed giveaways, traditional food harvesting and processing workshops for youth, work opportunities for teens, and more. The Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm Team are our April Newmanitarians® of the Month!

What is your mission?

At Mino Bimaadiziiwin (The Good Life) Tribal Farm, we understand food and agriculture as an important piece of Tribal sovereignty, and we are dedicated to supporting the goals of the Red Cliff community and advancing Tribal food sovereignty efforts.

When people think of farming, many times they think it’s all weeding and planning, but there are so many more layers of what we do at Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm that engage with a broad scope of the community.

We aim to increase production, distribution, and accessibility of local, nutritious, and culturally important foods. We work to support the next generation of leaders through hands-on opportunities for youth to connect to land and culture, and to build leadership and pride through food traditions and food sovereignty. We support Tribal producers and a strengthened food system through technical assistance, via our Food Sovereignty Equipment Lending Program, and by building intertribal relationships.

What is a story from Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm that has stuck with you?

This past winter I bumped into one of our Youth Food Sovereignty staff as I was picking up one of my own kids from the local school. He and I worked a lot together this past summer and formed a connection over our humor and hard work. The first thing he said to me was, “I can’t wait to work at the farm again!” I gave him a big grin and said, “Me too!”  —Jen, Farm Staff

In the spirit of Paul Newman, how are you “raising a little hell” in your community?

By supporting food system transformation! By advancing food sovereignty efforts, we are supporting Red Cliff and all Tribal Nation’s inherent right to self-determination in creating a food system that is not reliant on industrial systems, is locally based, and is culturally relevant.

Strengthening the local food system in Red Cliff goes and strengthening relationships between Tribal Nations and Tribal producers goes hand in hand with a strengthened and resilient regional food system.

What brings you joy in your work?

I honestly love coming to work every day. I have always worked in the outdoors and now to be able to combine using my skills to produce food for the community and work hard every day is truly a dream. –Jen

Working with the team at the Farm, with other Tribal Programs, and with community members brings so much joy. We get to share and celebrate the wonder of all four seasons of good food work, from sugarbushing in the spring to harvesting okosimin (squash) in the fall. Spring is especially special because seed starting is one of my favorite tasks. It’s incredible to hold a seed and know that there is so much potential in each and every one of them, and it’s magical to see them sprout and grow. It is a privilege, an honor, and an absolute joy to do this work. –Allissa

Just as simple as digging in the dirt and watching things grow. –Tony, Farm Staff

How can people support your work? 

• Follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about workshops, events, feasts, and volunteer opportunities
• Donate: The Farm accepts donations by check. To donate, please get in touch with Allissa Stutte, Farm Manager/Food Systems Coordinator at allissa.stutte@redcliff-nsn.gov