Ziibimijwang Inc. is advancing food sovereignty and economic resilience in the 1836 Ceded Territory of Michigan through the development of a food processing, aggregation, and distribution hub. This initiative aims to provide Indigenous and BIPOC producers with the infrastructure necessary to bring their products to institutional markets, overcoming long-standing barriers in access and distribution. The facility will offer processing, storage, and efficient delivery systems for agricultural products, ensuring that Tribal producers can meet food safety standards while preserving their traditional foodways. By leveraging existing transport networks and strategic partnerships with Tribal and BIPOC communities, Ziibimijwang will create new opportunities for producers, provide training and support for business development, and ensure equitable food procurement for institutions. This work will strengthen food systems and support local economies’ growth, fostering a more sustainable and resilient food value chain.
Funds from GROWING JUSTICE in 2023 helped Ziibimijwang Inc. increase storage and transportation capacity and support a shared inventory among food producers in the area while advancing their efforts to create economic connections between Tribal and BIPOC food producers and Tribal institutions and enterprises looking for culturally specific products.
