We are excited to announce the Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department has been chosen to receive the Northeastern Oklahoma Tribal Community Roots Program grant. This grant will beneficial not only for the Quapaw Nation, but also eight other tribes in Northeastern Oklahoma.
For Immediate Release
Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department Receives Grant for Northeastern Oklahoma Tribal Tree Planting Initiative.
Quapaw, OK — 10/11/2024 — The Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department is proud to announce the launch of the Northeastern Oklahoma Tribal Community Roots initiative, made possible by an Arbor Day Foundation grant aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and food sovereignty within tribal communities. This three-year project will support the planting of trees across the nine tribal nations located in Northeastern Oklahoma.
In Year One, the project will focus on establishing community orchards for all nine local tribes. Each orchard will be tailored to the specific needs and environmental conditions of the tribal lands, with guidance from horticultural experts to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
Year Two will culminate in a collaborative Arbor Day Celebration where all participating tribes will come together to celebrate the success of the orchards. As part of this celebration, the tribes will distribute trees to community members, along with educational resources on tree care and the importance of tree planting.
In Year Three, tribes will decide how to utilize the remaining trees based on their unique community needs. Options include expanding green spaces, increasing tree canopy, growing existing orchards, establishing food forests, or reintroducing culturally significant trees. Each tribe will have the opportunity to contribute to both environmental stewardship and the preservation of their cultural heritage through this initiative.
“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our communities,” said Michelle Bowden, Director of the Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department. “By planting trees, we’re not only enhancing food sovereignty and environmental health, but also deepening our cultural connections to the land.”
About the Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department
The Quapaw Nation Food Sovereignty Department is dedicated to promoting sustainable food systems, supporting agricultural practices, and strengthening food security within the Quapaw Nation and neighboring tribal communities. Through educational outreach, community initiatives, and environmental stewardship, the department works to preserve both natural resources and cultural traditions for future generations.
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