Agriculture and food systems at Schitsu'umsh Reservation

Agriculture and food sovereignty

UI Extension, Schitsu'umsh Reservation supports the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s food sovereignty initiatives through collaborative programming that honors traditional ecological knowledge while promoting sustainable food systems.

Farmers market

The One Sky One Earth Farmers Market was established in 2012 through the University of Idaho Extension, Schitsu’umsh Reservation office in partnership with the One Sky One Earth Food Coalition.  

• The farmers market runs June-September on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. in Plummer on US-95, adjacent to the Gateway Café.
• Products featured at the market include home-grown produce, handmade crafts and other goods.

This flagship agriculture program provides:

• Community access: Serving over 1,200 adults and youth annually
• Local food systems: Supporting local growers and food producers
• Youth engagement: Opportunities for young people to participate as vendors and volunteers
• Seasonal programming: Operating during growing season with special events throughout the year

Community gardening initiatives

Youth gardening programs

• 4-H youth gardening projects at Lakeside Elementary
• Cloverbud gardening experiences for younger participants
• Garden management and maintenance at the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department

Partnership gardening  

• Pumpkin planting and harvesting programs with Coeur d’Alene Tribal School and Lakeside Elementary
• Collaboration with the Tribe’s Food Distribution and 2nd Harvest
• Integration of traditional and contemporary growing practices

Traditional food systems

Cultural food programming

• Support for traditional food gathering, preparation and preservation practices
• Integration of traditional ecological knowledge in all programming
• Partnership with Tribal elders and knowledge keepers
• Connection to seasonal cycles and cultural practices

Educational outreach

• Workshops on traditional food preparation methods
• Information sharing about indigenous plants and their uses
• Support for community food security initiatives  

Partnerships and collaboration

Key partners:

• Coeur d’Alene Tribe Natural Resources Department
• Coeur d’Alene Tribe Food Distribution and 2nd Harvest
• One Sky One Earth Food Coalition
• Local school and community organizations

Regional connections:

• Northwest Food Sovereignty Coalition participation
• Inter-tribal food system development initiatives
• Regional farmer and grower networks

Educational impact

Our agriculture programming provides:

• Hands-on learning experiences connecting youth to food systems
• Cultural education preserving traditional knowledge
• Leadership development opportunities
• Community engagement and service learning
• Academic enrichment supporting STEM education

Learn more about our agriculture and food systems programming or contact us to get involved in community food sovereignty initiatives.

Resources and information

Seasonal programming calendar:

• Spring: Garden planning and planting, salmon release programming
• Summer: Farmers market operations, youth gardening activities
• Fall: Harvest celebrations, traditional food gathering, Water Potato Awareness Week
• Winter: Planning and preparation, indoor educational programming

Get involved:

• Volunteer opportunities at the farmers market
• Youth programming participation
• Community garden involvement
• Educational workshop attendance