About Native American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems

NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems) was born from a vision to cultivate the seeds of Indigenous heritage, uplift communities, and honor the land that has sustained generations. At its core, NATIFS is a movement to rekindle and empower Indigenous food sovereignty rooted in tradition, resilience, and shared knowledge.

Here in Minneapolis, that vision is partially taking shape through the Indigenous Food Lab Market, originally located in the Midtown Global Market. While their former space is currently focused on wholesale food production, online sales, and packaging Indigenous ingredients, it still offers a glimpse of what’s to come as NATIFS prepares to move their retail location to a new building.

By reconnecting people with culturally meaningful, nutrient-rich foods, NATIFS is tackling food-related health disparities, supporting economic self-determination, and offering pathways to cultural healing. Their mission to see every tribal community reclaim their food traditions, build sustainable local economies, and nourish the health and spirit of future generations is deeply rooted in everything they do.

Support Indigenous Foodways

This year marks an exciting milestone: NATIFS’ first time selling their wild rice with a food co-op or grocery store, through their continued partnership with Seward Co-op.

“We are very thankful for the support and guidance we have received from Seward Co-op,” NATIFS shared. For them, this collaboration reflects shared values and a mutual commitment to community care.

You can now find NATIFS’ Select Hand-Harvested Wild Rice, offered through the Indigenous Food Lab Market, on our shelves. We’re proud to support their work and be part of their story.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOODS PROGRAM