2027 Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference Request for Proposals

Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference

Request for Session Proposals (RFP)

2027 Conference – Harvesting Indigenous Knowledge

Honoring Our Past. Growing Our Future. Strengthening Our Food Sovereignty.

The White Earth Land Recovery Project invites Indigenous farmers, gardeners, harvesters, knowledge keepers, elders, educators, cultural practitioners, researchers, and community leaders to submit session proposals for the Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference.

Our theme, “Harvesting Indigenous Knowledge,” recognizes the wisdom, teachings, and lived experiences passed down through generations. Indigenous knowledge is rooted in our relationships with the land, water, plants, animals, seeds, and one another. It is a living knowledge system that guides how we grow, gather, harvest, prepare, preserve, and share our foods.

We welcome proposals that celebrate traditional knowledge, encourage knowledge sharing between generations, and explore innovative approaches to strengthening Indigenous food systems and food sovereignty.

Suggested Session Topics

We welcome presentations, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, and storytelling sessions addressing topics such as:
Traditional Foodways & Cultural Knowledge: Traditional harvesting practices, wild rice, maple sugaring, medicinal plants, traditional foods, and seasonal teachings.
Indigenous Agriculture & Gardening: Traditional planting methods, seed saving, heirloom varieties, regenerative agriculture, soil health, permaculture, and Indigenous growing practices.
Food Sovereignty & Food Systems: Community food systems, food access, food security, food policy, land recovery, and reclaiming control of our food sources.
Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing: Elder teachings, youth leadership, cultural mentorship, language revitalization, and passing traditional knowledge to future generations.
Food Preservation & Preparation: Traditional cooking, drying, smoking, canning, fermentation, and preparing foods in culturally appropriate ways.
Climate Resilience & Environmental Stewardship: Protecting biodiversity, adapting to climate change, caring for water and land, and restoring traditional ecological practices.
Indigenous Innovation & Community Solutions: Successful community projects, collaborative partnerships, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and new approaches to sustaining traditional food systems.

Session Formats

Hands-on workshops and demonstrations
Educational presentations
Panel discussions
Cultural teachings and storytelling
Outdoor learning and field demonstrations
For youth 7-17
Key Note presentation

We encourage interactive sessions that provide participants with practical skills, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to learn from one another.

Who Should Apply?

We encourage proposals from Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, farmers, gardeners, harvesters, youth, educators, tribal programs, nonprofit organizations, and individuals working to strengthen Indigenous food systems. Both experienced presenters and first-time presenters are encouraged to apply.

We especially welcome proposals that center Indigenous voices, honor cultural protocols, and create opportunities for intergenerational learning.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Please include the following information:

Session Title
Presenter(s): Name, tribal affiliation or organization (if applicable), and contact information.
Session Description: A brief description (150–250 words) explaining the session and what participants will learn.
Learning Objectives: List 2–3 key takeaways for participants.
Session Format: Workshop, presentation, panel, demonstration, or other.
Equipment or Space Needs: Include any special materials, equipment, or outdoor space requirements.

Submission Information

Submission Deadline: November 20, 2026

Proposals Submissions Click Here or Email to glifc@welrp.org

Conference Dates: March 4–7, 2027

Location: Sugar Lake Lodge, Cohasset, Minnesota

Our knowledge is our inheritance, our responsibility, and our future. Together, we will honor the teachings of those who came before us, share the knowledge we carry today, and plant seeds of wisdom for the generations yet to come.

We look forward to harvesting Indigenous knowledge together!

Chosen presenters will receive one day registration, one day of meals, and compensation for one night of lodging.