MFSI 2007 Initiative

MFSI Mission Statement

Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative works to enable the Mvskoke people and their neighbors to provide for their food and health needs now and in the future through sustainable agriculture, economic development, community involvement, cultural and educational programs.

Board of Directors

Rebecca Lindsey, (Mvskoke) Board Member of MFSI.  An active community and civic leader on the tribal, local and national levels.  Honored by the Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as 2006 Outstanding Elder.  

June Thomas, (Kiowa) Board Member of MFSI.  Pastor of Wichita Indian United Methodist Church and community advocate for substance abuse solutions.   

Ben Yahola, (Mvskoke) Board Member of MFSI. Founder and leader of the Sacred Sites Run and fluent speaker of the Mvskoke language who is familiar with Mvskoke culture and traditions, an experienced community leader and organic gardener.

Advisory Committee

Jackson Barnett (Mvskoke) – MCN Sr. Services & Languages

Johnnie Brasuell (Mvskoke) – MCN Diabetes Program Director

Sharon Iverson- MCN Diabetes Program Dietitian

Emman Spain (Seminole)– MCN Cultural Preservation

John West (Cheyenne)– University of Tulsa Horticulturist

Yvette Wiley (Mvskoke) – MCN Environmental Services

Steve Wilson (Mvskoke) – Chairman, National Council on Indian Aging

Donna Williams (Mvskoke) –MCN citizenship Office

Lester Ligons, ex officio – USDA/NRCS tribal liaison

William (Bud) McCombs (Mvskoke), ex officio – HIS Environmental Manager

Staff

Vicky Karhu, Executive Director of MFSI, Project Director for the USDA/CSREES Community Food Planning Project and Project Manager for the Diversifying Leadership for Sustainable Food Policy and Mvskoke Food Heritage Documentary projects. Organic market gardener. 

MCN – Muscogee (Creek) Nation