Indigenous land management practices are holistic and deeply rooted in thousands of years of knowledge and experience. These practices continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of current and future generations of Indigenous communities. Many contemporary Western agroforestry systems and practices are informed by these Indigenous-led knowledge systems.

Our project focuses on Indigenous-led agroforestry, where the intersection between Indigenous land management and use practices and agroforestry meet

Examples of Indigenous land management practices that align with agroforestry definitions may include the tending of wild huckleberry bushes, cultural burning to support basket weaving materials, protecting cedar trees for pulling bark or advocating to protect a hillside where culturally important roots are harvested.

By focusing on the intersection between Indigenous land management and use practices and contemporary, western agroforestry, we can increase access to supportive, agroforestry-related resources, programs, and services, which in turn may bring new support for Indigenous land management and use practices, many of which are underfunded such as gathering materials for basketry and other culturally significant items and protection and/or access to culturally important sites for Tribes.  

What is the Indigenous Agroforestry Network?

The Indigenous Agroforestry Network is intended to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between Tribal natural resource programs, Indigenous agroforestry producers, intertribal organizations, and other allied groups and initiatives that prioritize Indigenous self-determination, ways of knowing, and health and wellbeing. The Indigenous Agroforestry Network is growing relationships in the Pacific Northwest, but it welcomes support, collaboration, and opportunities for connection across the country. 

With guidance and leadership from Indigenous Agroforestry Network participants, the Indigenous Agroforestry Network will provide opportunities for:

• Trust and relationship building to support the emergence of a network of Indigenous agroforestry producers; 

• Co-creating a shared vision and the Indigenous Agroforestry Network organizational structure that attracts and sustains involvement of new Indigenous Agroforestry participants and facilitates ongoing knowledge-sharing and learning;

• Developing and curating events, programs, and workspaces for knowledge-sharing and learning;

• Developing and implementing educational programs with an emphasis on experiential learning and mentorship for Indigenous youth.