Introduction to Food Sovereignty

Author:

Grade(s): 9th-12th Grades

Suggested Amount of Time: 60 minutes

Curriculum Themes

• Cultural Strengths
• Relationship to Place

Learning Goals

• Content Objective: Students will define food sovereignty and identify key challenges Native communities face regarding food access and cultural preservation.

• Process Objective: Students will analyze a text about food sovereignty and create a Venn diagram comparing traditional and modern food systems.

• Outcome Objective: Students will write a reflection explaining the importance of food sovereignty for health and cultural preservation.

• Students will define food sovereignty and identify its key principles.

• Students will analyze the challenges Native communities face regarding food sovereignty.

• Students will compare precolonial and modern food systems in California Native communities.

• Students will reflect on the importance of food sovereignty in promoting health and cultural preservation.

Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces students to the concept of food sovereignty and its importance to California Native communities. Students will explore how historical events disrupted traditional foodways and analyze the challenges Native communities face in regaining control over their food systems. Through reading, discussion, and a Venn diagram activity, students will develop an understanding of the cultural and ecological significance of food sovereignty and reflect on its role in improving health and preserving traditions. Students will understand the concept of food sovereignty and its importance to California Indian communities.