Esther Liu

Esther Liu is the Native Food Sovereignty Fellow at the Prairie Island Indian Community. In this role, she focuses on promoting tribal sovereignty through food systems, which involves efforts to restore traditional food practices and enhance food security within the community. Her work is part of a broader initiative aimed at reclaiming control over food sources that have been historically disrupted by colonial practices, thereby addressing health disparities among Native populations.13

Background and Education

Esther Liu holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania, which likely contributes to her expertise in food sovereignty and community health initiatives. Her academic background supports her role in advocating for indigenous food systems, which are crucial for cultural preservation and health improvement.3

Food Sovereignty Initiatives

The Prairie Island Indian Community has been actively working on food sovereignty since 2019, with initiatives that include:

• Gathering Native Foods: Restoring access to indigenous foods and medicines.
• Producing Healthy Foods: Supporting community gardens and greenhouse projects for sustainable food production.
• Education: Offering cooking classes that focus on healthy meal preparation using traditional ingredients.12

Esther's involvement in these initiatives reflects a commitment to fostering a sustainable and culturally relevant food system that benefits the Prairie Island community and promotes overall health and wellness.