Brooke Rodriguez

Tell us: what excites you about your work?

I am really excited about the opportunity to increase access to traditional foods for Indigenous communities while simultaneously increasing knowledge of traditional regional diets. Merging traditional food, culture, land back, and healthy living is essential to finding climate solutions. We do this by promoting food security, personal wellness, and advocating for overall healthier communities.

What feels rich and abundant in your work right now?

Community and Action. It feels rich and abundant to be more connected with our Mother. I have met so many Native Community members and allies over the span of two years that are prepared and willing to help aid and foster a better, more holistically sustainable future in terms of traditional eating and land management. In many respects, it is the accumulation of my hopes, prayers, and dreams to be able to do the work we are doing and I am humbled that I am able to do what my ancestors were denied.

Who do you dedicate your work to?

My son and all Indigenous children as well as the ones who aren't born yet.

Who inspires you, who are you learning from, what books are you reading?

My foundational memories are supported by strong matriarchs; My Grandmother who always fed everyone no matter how little she had as well as my Aunt who always kept us together and carried my grandmother’s spirit after she passed. Last year, we lost my Aunt to COVID-19. It was hard and I still can’t believe she’s gone and miss her every day. She always looked out for the younger ones, all of the cousins including her own children and grandchildren, and even adopted relatives. She always advised us to stay together and always supported and encouraged our dreams. 

As far as books, I just picked up For Indigenous Minds Only: A Decolonization Handbook by Waziyatawin and Michael Yellow Bird. It is a great handbook for tackling the big dilemma of decolonization and provides mindfulness techniques.

“I find balance by remembering my original instructions. That means eating my traditional foods, moving my body, spending time with my family, and looking every day at ways to unlearn behaviors picked up through colonization.”

How can people reading this support the work you are doing?

If you are interested in the work at First Foods Program, please visit us on Facebook, or visit our website at grindingstone.org. You can support our work by donating through our website or a link to our PayPal! We appreciate new members or any donations.

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What something you didn’t know, that now you understand differently with wellness?

Through our work we’ve learned that wellness is more interlinked with land back and decolonization than we realized.

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What is your own wellness practice? How do you find balance?

I find balance by remembering my original instructions. That means eating my traditional foods, moving my body, spending time with my family, and looking every day at ways to unlearn behaviors picked up through colonization.