Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative

Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative works to enable the Mvskoke people and their neighbors to provide for their food and health needs now and in the future through sustainable agriculture, economic development, community involvement, cultural and educational programs.We are a, 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.