As the holiday season draws people together, Wheatsville Co-op is going beyond simply helping you prepare for holiday meals. This year NCG (National Co-op Grocers) is partnering with NĀTIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems) to support a deeper mission: empowering Indigenous food sovereignty. In doing so, every Field Day product sold during NCG’s November promotion will contribute to this cause, with a portion of proceeds going to NĀTIFS. It’s a unique campaign, not only helping us offer affordable groceries during an inflationary time but also amplifying the impact of Indigenous led initiatives in the food industry.
As a part of this campaign, Wheatsville is giving away this shopping cart full of Field Day products!!! From mac n’ cheese & cereal to baking supplies & household products, this basket has all the essentials to hold you over for quite a while! All you have to to is guess the cost of the items in the basket. Easiest way to enter? Just swing by the South Lamar location to get a better look of everything in the basket, follow the QR code & enter your guess!
This contest ends December 3rd and our winner will be chosen December 4th.
Best of luck!
Now, let’s get into who this campaign is REALLY about!
Who is NĀTIFS? (pronounced nay-tihfs, similar to “Natives”)
NĀTIFS, founded by award-winning chef Sean Sherman (also known as The Sioux Chef), is an Indigenous led organization focused on reviving Native foodways to promote health, sustainability, and economic empowerment within Native communities. Their work has deep roots in Indigenous traditions and is anchored in a vision of reclaiming Native food systems across North America. Through blending traditional knowledge with modern food systems, NĀTIFS is creating sustainable economic opportunities in Native communities, strengthening connections to land all while addressing health disparities.
NĀTIFS runs the Indigenous Food Lab in Minneapolis, a space that offers everything from cooking classes and research programs to a marketplace and community kitchen. This isn’t just a cooking school but an all-encompassing resource intended to foster Indigenous culinary businesses and support communities in reclaiming their food heritage. The lab also trains future Native chefs, farmers, and food entrepreneurs, aiming to create a network of regional Indigenous kitchens across the country.
Why Does This Campaign Matter?
The Field Day campaign with NCG goes beyond a standard holiday promotion because, while our shoppers benefit from discounts on everyday items, they’re also contributing to NĀTIFS’ cause with each purchase. From every Field Day product sold, $0.05 will go to NĀTIFS with the campaign expected to generate a meaningful donation, estimated at around $100,000! This support will directly fund NĀTIFS’ efforts to expand Indigenous food access and education, furthering their goal of establishing Indigenous Food Labs in other various regions.
It’s important to keep in mind that Thanksgiving is often a complicated holiday for Indigenous communities, as it is built on a myth that overlooks the true history and the impact of colonization. NCG’s partnership with NĀTIFS shows a commitment to honoring this truth by shifting the focus toward Indigenous strength and celebrating Native food traditions rather than perpetuating harmful narratives.
How Can You Support?
When you stop by Wheatsville this November, consider buying Field Day products with the knowledge that your purchases are supporting Indigenous food sovereignty. Beyond simply buying Field Day items, it’s also a chance to learn more about NĀTIFS and explore ways to integrate Native foodways into your own kitchen. Each purchase you make and every meal you prepare can be an act of honoring and supporting Indigenous culture.
You’re not only getting great deals this season but also taking part in a movement to elevate Indigenous voices. NĀTIFS’ mission reminds us that food is not just sustenance, it’s a cultural bridge, a healer, and a source of strength for communities. Through partnerships like this one, NĀTIFS and Wheatsville Co-op are inviting you to be part of a larger change that respects and uplifts Indigenous history, traditions, and future endeavors
