Shop Field Day Products and Support NĀTIFS this November!
Hundreds of Field Day products are on sale now through Dec. 3. With each purchase, our community has an opportunity to support Native communities and food sovereignty. This November, 5¢ from every Field Day product sold will go to NĀTIFS.
North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) is more than just an organization; it’s a transformative movement to reclaim, empower, and uplift Indigenous foodways. Founded by James Beard award-winning Chef Sean Sherman, also known as “The Sioux Chef,” NĀTIFS addresses economic and health challenges facing Native communities by restoring Indigenous culinary traditions, building sustainable local economies, and fostering a network of regional hubs that celebrate and elevate Indigenous food culture.
A Mission Rooted in Heritage and Health
NĀTIFS envisions a future where every tribal community across North America can reclaim its food heritage, nurturing both cultural pride and community well-being. Central to this mission is the belief that reclaiming Indigenous foodways can help heal the lasting impacts of colonialism and forced assimilation. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Food Lab, NĀTIFS supports education, economic empowerment, and wellness, all while strengthening cultural connections and local economies in Native communities.
The Indigenous Food Lab: A Hub for Education and Culinary Tradition
At the heart of NĀTIFS is the Indigenous Food Lab, located in the historic Midtown Global Market on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The Indigenous Food Lab is a professional kitchen and training center, designed not only to teach traditional culinary skills but also to offer comprehensive food-related business training. The lab serves as a classroom, demonstration kitchen, and training ground, sharing the wisdom of Native culinary arts with the broader community.
The Food Lab encompasses more than just cooking; it offers education on Indigenous food identification, gathering, cultivation, and preparation. This space is dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in building and managing successful food enterprises based on Native traditions. For NĀTIFS, this work is not only about food but also about reclaiming ancestral knowledge lost through generations of forced assimilation.
Expanding Food Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation
NĀTIFS sees food as a path to health and healing. By providing communities with access to nutrient-rich, culturally relevant foods, the organization empowers Native people to reclaim their health and wellness. Through the Indigenous Food Lab Market, a one-of-a-kind retail space in Minneapolis, NĀTIFS offers a variety of high-quality Indigenous foods and products. The market broadens access to Native-made goods, allowing community members to experience the diversity of contemporary Indigenous offerings while supporting local Indigenous entrepreneurs.
The Indigenous Food Lab Market is not just a Minneapolis institution—it’s a model for a broader vision. NĀTIFS plans to replicate this concept across North America, creating a network of Indigenous food hubs that will improve access to Indigenous foods, foster educational opportunities, and expand entrepreneurial platforms for Native communities.
A National Impact Through Partnerships and Initiatives
NĀTIFS’ work extends beyond the kitchen. Partnering with the USDA’s Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative, NĀTIFS collaborates on projects that increase access to Indigenous foods within the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), ensuring a variety of culturally appropriate options. The organization also hosts events, including the National Indigenous Culinary Expo and Indigenous People’s Day celebrations, showcasing Native chefs and traditions to a wider audience and further fostering pride and recognition for Indigenous culinary arts.
Building a Network of Resilient Tribal Communities
As NĀTIFS expands its reach, the organization’s vision grows to include multiple Indigenous Food Labs in regions across North America. In Bozeman, Montana, the first satellite lab is underway, with additional plans for locations in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Anchorage, Alaska. By creating a network of tribally operated kitchens, NĀTIFS aims to bring cultural and nutritional revitalization to tribal communities across the continent.
Through this work, NĀTIFS remains committed to building a legacy of health, sustainability, and resilience within Native communities. Every initiative, from educational programs to retail markets, supports the overall mission of empowering Native communities to reclaim their food heritage and improve well-being through the foods that sustain us.