Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW) is a Tribal organization committed to the healing power of food and connection to the land. In 2019, after acquiring ancestral land, WPHW launched the Nuci-micuwakonuhkecik project (‘Food Gatherers’ in the Passamaquoddy language), engaging Tribal youth (ages 10-18) in traditional food practices through themed events.
By the end of year one, the project aims to increase the knowledge of 20 Wabanaki youth in seed saving, gardening, sustainability, and provide them with training in hunting, fishing, and ocean farming careers. Additionally, participants will form a community food sovereignty initiative workgroup that will meet monthly.
The upcoming round of funding will enable WPHW to continue preserving traditional agricultural knowledge and addressing community needs. In response to feedback from the past year, the project will incorporate more traditional art, culture, and ocean farming. Inspired by community input, a new butchery workshop will also be included, covering the full cycle from hunting to butchering.
WPHW’s collaboration with WaYS has expanded to share resources and equipment for a larger group of youth. The project will also address financial literacy and small business operations, with youth selling produce and goods in the Youth Enterprise Zone at the Common Ground Fair. These activities will lay the foundation for future Indigenous agriculture and business development.
