CCFC acknowledges that our co-op grocery store, once it is built, will be situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Karkin, Patwin, and Miwok people. We pay respect to their elders, past and present. During November’s Native American Heritage Month, we highlight the importance of this acknowledgement as we currently meet on these lands, and most of our owners live in the area. As stated in Honor Native Land: A Guide and Call to Acknowledgement, it’s “a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and practices that erase Indigenous people’s history and culture and toward inviting and honoring the truth.”
It will probably come as no surprise that the Native American cultures of North America have a societal foundation we can see echoed in the co-operative structure, with a focus on taking care of each other. This ensures resiliency, shared resources, and a democratic business model where every owner has a voice. Today, many Native Americans are transferring these values to their businesses.
For example, the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) is a cooperative of 32 artists who operate their own retail store where they ensure artists receive the full monetary value for their art. Another cooperative is Ohe·láku, or Among the Cornstalks, consisting of 15 families who grow traditional corn that is divided among members based on the number of hours they invest. Dream of Wild Health is a seed-keeping cooperative with youth food system programs for all ages.
What all these co-ops have in common is a strong sense of community, and working to protect their cultures, traditions, and foodways. They also serve as community hubs, providing space to train others, and establishing networks where community members care for each other. As we continue to expand our ownership and get closer to putting “doors on the store,” we hold these same values as part of the foundation of CCFC, and we acknowledge the lasting and valuable contributions of our indigenous neighbors.
Sources:
Honor Native Land: https://usdac.us/nativeland
Library of Congress dedicated page: https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/about/
Center for Rural Affairs: https://www.cfra.org/blog/not-your-average-co-ops-native-americans-share-cooperative-insights
Ohe·láku Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AmongtheCornstalks/