Bring Fruit Trees to Native American Reservations

Dear friends,

We'd like to share two examples of our projects in the high deserts of the Southwest, where fruit trees are helping tribal communities reclaim food sovereignty and reconnect with traditional food systems.

In the spring of last year, we visited a 200+ tree orchard planted 10 years ago with the Sandia Pueblo to conduct aftercare, share knowledge, and expand the orchard with additional trees. We learned that the orchard was thriving and providing enough harvest for every tribal family to receive a bag of fresh fruit hand-delivered to their doorstep each summer. Peaches, apricots, pears, and plums — all freshly picked, organically grown, and communally owned and cared for by the Pueblo.

Also last year, we partnered with the Hozho Voices of Healing Center on the Navajo Nation to create a 30-tree and 22-berry edible landscape on their regenerative farm. Farm Manager Joshua Toddy emphasizes that orchards are essential for teaching community members how to grow, care for, and preserve fruit trees for generations as a vital step in building lasting food sovereignty.

As we have mentioned previously, federal funding pauses have temporarily slowed our tribal program expansion, yet we remain committed to planting with and supporting our tribal partners. Your support ensures that once we resume, orchards will flourish, families will have greater access to healthy foods, and Native American communities will continue reclaiming control over their food systems.

To a more equitable and abundant future,

The FTPF Team