Fertile Ground II: Growing the Seeds for Native American Health
Advancing Native health and nutrition policy efforts
A food access and dietary health crisis exists across Indian Country. Without a major, sustained effort to change health trends, the future well-being of Native peoples and tribal nations is in great jeopardy.
To meet this crisis, the American Heart Association and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community convened Fertile Ground II: Growing the Seeds for Native American Health in May 2016. This three-day conference brought together nearly 200 Native leaders, Native youth advocates, and national philanthropic organizations to discuss the opportunities for new policy work relating to nutrition, food access, and health outcomes within Native communities.
The Fertile Ground II final report summarizes key discussions and learnings. The report is designed to reflect the voices of participants to create a strategic framework and roadmap for Native-led change to improve nutrition and Native American health. We hope it serves as a valuable resource and inspiring roadmap for new partnerships and investments. Publication of the report was supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
