Nurturing Children and Land with Zachariah Ben

Zachariah Ben is a sixth-generation farmer and traditional sandpainter based in Shiprock, New Mexico. He is of the "Giant People" born for the "Red Running Into Water" clan. His maternal grandfather's clan is the "Red House People" and his paternal grandfather is of the "Salt People.” With more than a decade of experience in traditional Navajo agriculture, Zach works with his partner Mary as co-founders and owners of Bidii Baby Foods LLC. He also works as a consultant with WESST, where he mentors and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs as they launch and grow businesses in and around tribal communities.

Nearly one in three families on the Navajo Nation live without electricity, making it difficult to refrigerate perishable foods, and many must travel more than 50 miles one way to purchase fresh groceries. Bidii Baby Foods offers shelf-stable traditional foods for the Navajo community, while working towards local food sovereignty and honoring traditional foods for their nutritional value and deep cultural significance. Zach believes introducing ancestral ingredients early in life strengthens food security, nurtures spiritual and family connections, and supports long-term health.

Join us with the link below on Thursday, February 12, from 5:30-7pm EST as Zach talks about his experience with traditional Navajo farming!

https://de.meet.coop/b/rooms/ayn-w2c-ccs-lu9/join