Support Indigenous Producers

Part of building a local food system needs to include the Indigenous story of this land and the history of Indigenous food practices. Many local community members have been building a community focus on Indigenous entrepreneurship, health, food system, and economic justice. To that end, in 2019, AICHO hosted Duluth’s first large-scale Indigenous Foods Expo, bringing together Indigenous food producers, chefs, artists, musicians and hundreds of community members to experience flavors and culture from across Indigenous nations. Also under development is the Niiwin Market, an Indigenous and healthy foods market, deli, and coffee shop being created by AICHO. These programs and others help expand our community’s access and awareness of both the history and future possibilities for Indigenous foods and entrepreneurship.

Some local Indigenous foods include wild rice, maple syrup, corn, beans, squash, venison, walleye, berries, Labrador tea, tomatoes, potatoes, and more. They can be found in many places in Duluth, including farmers markets, grocery stores, Whole Foods Co-op, and AICHO’s Indigenous First Art and Gift Shop.

Here are some local Indigenous food producers that you can support:

Indigenous First Art and Gift Shop – features the work of over 77 local and regional artists and entrepreneurs. Sold here is real maple syrup and wild rice from different tribes, as well as other Indigenous food items.

Native Wise LLC CSA – a small-scale family farm CSA that specializes in organic, sustainable, indigenous farming practices throughout its operation.

Niiwin Market – an Indigenous and Healthy Foods Market, deli and coffee shop. 

Spirit Lake Native Farms – produces handcrafted maple syrup and traditionally harvested wild rice, available in the bulk sections of both Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth.