As an Ojibwe woman and mother with deep ties to the Saint Croix Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Nation, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Neely Snyder (St. Croix Ojibwe) brings a lifelong commitment to nourishing future generations of relatives. Growing up in the Twin Cities, she witnessed how limited access to fresh, culturally meaningful foods affected her community—an experience that sparked her passion for food sovereignty and reclaiming traditional food systems. That calling led her to Dream of Wild Health, where she found not only healing and culture, but a home. For the past seven years as Dream of Wild’s Health’s Executive Director, Neely has helped strengthen the health and well-being of Indigenous families through work rooted in connection, community, and care. This April, National Garden Month, we are proud to honor Neely as our Newmanitarian® of the Month.
What is your “Recipe for Change”?
I believe that food is medicine. When we reconnect with the land and work to decolonize our diets by restoring the traditional foods of our ancestors, we create pathways to health, strength, and resilience. This work is not just about nutrition, it is about healing, identity, and reclaiming what has always sustained us.
Paul Newman was an actor, race car driver, activist, and a salad dressing philanthropist. In the spirit of Paul Newman, how are you “raising a little hell” in your community?
Our youth are already leading the way toward a healthier and more accessible food system. They are not only learning these practices, but they are actively advocating for them in their homes and communities. In many ways, they are our teachers. By uplifting youth leadership and trusting their voices, we are challenging the status quo and building a future where health, culture, and access to good food are the norm.
Photo courtesy of Dream of Wild Health.
What’s something you wish more people knew about Indigenous food sovereignty?
Indigenous food sovereignty is about reclaiming our food systems in ways that improve health, restore cultural identity, and strengthen community connections. It is rooted in community-led efforts that prioritize traditional foods and sustainable practices.
In collaboration with community partners, Dream of Wild Health is helping create an environment where traditional foods are becoming the norm again. This shift has not always been easy, especially when it comes to moving away from foods and beverages that we have become accustomed to. But here in Minneapolis, we are seeing a growing movement that embraces healthy Indigenous foods while reducing reliance on less nourishing alternatives. It’s a powerful example of what community-driven change can look like.
What is an insight gained at Dream of Wild Health that has stuck with you?
One of the most powerful insights I’ve gained is that healing happens in relationship with the land, with our food, and with one another. At Dream of Wild Health, I’ve seen how creating space for youth to reconnect with culture and community can transform not only individual lives, but entire families. Solutions already exist within our communities as we simply need to create the space, support, and opportunity for them to grow.
How can people support your work?
People can engage by learning more about Indigenous food sovereignty, supporting Native-led organizations, and advocating for policies that increase access to healthy, culturally relevant foods.
Connect directly with Dream of Wild Health by following us on social media, signing up for our newsletter (there’s a new recipe every month!), and donating to support our work.
A Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partner since 2019, Dream of Wild Health’s mission is to restore health and well-being in the Native community by recovering knowledge of and access to healthy Indigenous foods, medicines, and lifeways. To achieve this vision, staff work to build community, share Indigenous traditional knowledge, promote food sovereignty, host workshops and community events, and support community partner organizations, schools, and Tribal communities. Learn more at dreamofwildhealth.org.
Photo courtesy of Dream of Wild Health.