Before the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico, this land was called Turtle Island. 

The Aztecs named it Cemanahuac—land surrounded completely by water. And the Navajo referred to it as Nehemah—mother.  

Today, we are largely disconnected from the original stories of the lands we inhabit. 

But food has a way of transporting us back. 

Sometimes, all it takes is feeling the rough texture of the corn husk when we unwrap a tamale. Or sipping from a cup of warm, spicy champurrado. Or inhaling the aroma of freshly cooked beans. Or patting a soft, warm, freshly cooked tortilla with butter. 

These experiences invite us to remember those who came before us. To remember who we are, where we came from, and who we are meant to be.  

To remember who we are, where we came from, and who we are meant to be. 

Food is one door to reconnection, but there are many others. It’s about asking our elders to tell us their family stories again. It’s learning about our local histories. 

And more than 500 years since the first Europeans started settling in the Americas, it’s important we learn our stories now before we lose all connection later. With this knowledge in hand, the next generations can be more confident in who they are and unified as one beloved community. 

Because our roots may come from different parts of Turtle Island or beyond, but we are all walking forward together, Hacia el Sol. 

The first step starts here, the land you’re standing on: learn the names of the peoples who first called this home. 

As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s commit to learning more about our histories. 

So reach out to a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Look up your local tribal nations and check if there are any upcoming events you can attend or shops you can support. And let’s start our journey of building community with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. 

Dreaming of unity, 

Alicia Nuñez 
President & CEO