Friday, December 22, 2017

About Mvskoke Food Sovereignty


Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative (MFSI) is a grassroots, Native American led organization located in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, capitol of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation. The Mvskoke people were indigenous to what is now the Southeast United States and are an American Indian federally recognized tribe. Mvskoke food heritage and traditions goes back in time long before the Trail of Tears forced them to Oklahoma. For centuries the Mvskoke maintained a successful agriculture based culture that sustained large populations living in towns along the rivers and creeks (so European settlers called them “Creek Indians”). These were the “mound builders” who developed a sophisticated civilization, taking care of the food, spiritual and political needs of their people.  

Today these cultures still exist as the Muskogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Yuchi tribes. The respective languages are still used by many and the ceremonial dances, songs and practices are still carried on. Growing, preserving and using traditional foods plays an important role in cultural activities. MFSI seeks to preserve the food heritage and traditions of these Indigenous peoples through hands-on classes, educational programs, intergenerational sharing and  sustainable agriculture practices.


Staff
Marilyn Kelley (Cherokee) - Executive Director
Doetta Hicks (Mvskoke) - Financial Officer


Board of Directors
Chumona Deere (Mvskoke)
Yvette Wylieane (Mvskoke)
Terri Anderson (Mvskoke)


Advisory Committee
Sharon Iverson (Norwegian)
Emman Spain (Seminole)
Donna Williams (Mvskoke)
Joshua D  Castleman (Mvskoke)


MVTO! 

(Thank you) on behalf of our Board and staff for support of MFSI to Muskogee (creek) Nation, National Council, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NoVo Foundation, Jesse Smith Noyes Foundation, First Nations Development Institute, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA and all those who have so generously donated to us to help us continue the work of assisting our Native People and their neighbors.