Indigenous Food Sovereignty Zine Submission Guidelines

Submissions are free and please read through everything below to ensure you aren't missing anything for your submission(s)!

Prompt

We invite you to reflect on your connection to (traditional) food, identity, and land. How has (traditional) food or your traditional food systems shaped who you are, your culture, and your sense of belonging? Food is more than just nourishment—it carries memory, strengthens community, and sustains culture. Through poetry or microprose, share the ways food has connected you to your people, your ancestors, your culture, and your home.

Who Can Submit?

☁︎ We invite all Indigenous youth (ages 18–25) from any tribal nation within the so-called United States (lower 48, Alaska, and Hawai'i).
☁︎ Poets, storytellers, and emerging or experienced writers are all welcome!
☁︎ No prior experience required—your voice matters.

What Can I Submit?

♡ Poetry and/or microprose, whether in fiction or non-fiction.
♡ Poetry Length: Up to 1-2 poems max, with each piece no longer than 3 pages.
♡ Microprose Length: Up to 1-2 pieces max, with each piece no longer than 3 pages.

Submission Guidelines

✿ Poetry and/or microprose: maximum of 3 pages per piece, 1-2 pieces max for poetry and 1-2 pieces max for microprose.
✿ Single or double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman.
✿ Cover page required: Include your name, email, and phone number at the beginning of your document.
✿ For now, submit in the format you’d like published, removing any identifiers (except cover page info).
✿ Works in other languages are accepted. A translation is only required if the entire poem is in Native language—otherwise, no translation is needed (e.g., if only a few words are in a Native language, a translation is not necessary. However, if you would like to provide a guide at the bottom of the page, you are most welcome to!).
✿ All poems must be submitted in one document, PDF or Word Doc.

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING:

Each contributor will be responsible for designing their own page in the zine unless they would like me to format it for them. Contributors may receive a Canva Premium subscription if they choose to use it (pending grant approval) to format their pages. You are welcome to use any program that works best for you to create your page. You will have 2-3 weeks (Late March into Early-Mid April) to work on your page(s).

Each contributor will have the creative freedom to design their pages in a way that reflects their vision. I’ll also send some inspiration your way! <3

When Are Submissions Due?

☆ Deadline: March 21st, 2025 @ 11:59pm

How to Submit

✦ Submit your work here: Indigenous Food Sovereignty Zine Submission Form

You will be notified of our decision by late March via email, so please keep an eye out.

The zine will be digitally published in May, with physical copies available on this website starting in late May. The exact publication date is TBA. 

About the Editor

My name is Tommey Jodie (Diné), and I am the editor of this zine. I am a poet, creative, and researcher deeply invested in Indigenous food sovereignty, storytelling, and community care. I am studying a Nutrition and Food Systems, Food Studies, and Creative Writing at the University of Arizona. This zine is also a part of my senior capstone project for my Food Studies & Nutrition and Food Systems major at the University of Arizona. It is both a creative and community-driven project aimed at uplifting Indigenous voices and highlighting the role of traditional food systems in identity, resistance, and storytelling.

Questions? Contact me at: tommey.marie@yahoo.com or through the contact form below!

Thank you so much for your interest! So excited to read your words!