Our Approach
Culturally Rooted Food Systems
Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into food practices.
Community-Driven Model
Led by Native people, for Native people.
Sustainability
& Food Sovereignty
Restoring food landscapes and empowering Tribal food producers.
Advocacy
& Policy Engagement
Protecting Indigenous food systems through legislation and policy work.
Meet Our Team
Valerie Segrest (Muckleshoot)
Valerie Segrest, an enrolled member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, is a Native nutrition educator and food sovereignty advocate dedicated to strengthening Tribal food systems. She is the Executive Director of Feed 7 Generations, a nonprofit supporting Indigenous health projects and ventures through culturally grounded storytelling, strategy, and food systems work.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Health Sciences from Bastyr University and a Master of Arts in Environment and Community. Valerie’s work focuses on revitalizing Indigenous foodways, overcoming barriers to traditional food access, and advancing food sovereignty through education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions.
A respected author and speaker, she has co-authored several publications, including:Feeding Seven Generations: A Salish Cookbook and Indigenous Home Cooking: Menus Inspired by the Ancestors. Ms. Segrest also writes the Indigenous Foodways column for Yes! Magazine.
Valerie is passionate about inspiring others to embrace a nutrient-dense diet through a culturally rooted, common-sense approach to eating.
Executive Director
Romajean Thomas (Muckleshoot)
I’m Romajean Thomas, a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. I hold a BA in Human Services from Antioch First Peoples’ Program, an MA in Strategic Communication from Antioch Seattle, and graduate certificates in Business Operations and Project Management from UW Bothell.
For 15 years, I’ve worked with my tribal community, promoting cultural health practices like gathering, hunting, fishing, and sustainability.
Director of Education + Community Engagement
Nora Frank-Buckner, M.P.H. (Nez Perce/Klamath)
Director of Food Sovereignty and Native Food Economy | Public Health Strategist | Indigenous Food Systems Leader
Nora Frank-Buckner is a public health professional and food sovereignty leader dedicated to advancing Indigenous food systems, Native food economies, and community-driven wellness initiatives across Tribal communities. She serves as the Director of Food Sovereignty and Native Food Economy at Feed 7 Generations, where she leads the development of programs, partnerships, and strategies that strengthen Native food businesses, expand market access, and support long-term Tribal food sovereignty efforts.
With more than a decade of experience working alongside Tribal nations and Indigenous organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, Nora has helped build regional coalitions, led strategic planning initiatives, and developed culturally grounded food sovereignty programs focused on health promotion, sustainable development, and Native food access. Her work emphasizes relationship-building, systems change, and creating pathways for Indigenous communities to reclaim and strengthen traditional foodways.
Nora earned her Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy from Portland State University and her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Oregon State University. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous leadership, strengthening Native food economies, and building sustainable systems that honor the knowledge, traditions, and resilience of Tribal communities.
Aunna Angehrn Partida
Operations Manager | Feed 7 Generations
Aunna serves as the Operations Manager for Feed 7 Generations, supporting the organization’s mission to advance Indigenous health, food sovereignty, and community wellness initiatives. She oversees organizational operations, project coordination, and administrative systems that support community-centered programming and partnerships.
Aunna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Washington University and has a long history of administrative work with nonprofits and other community-centered organizations. She is passionate about supporting sustainable, mission-driven work that creates lasting impact for future generations.
Leah Simeon (Spokane/Pauquachin)
Native Food Economies Program Coordinator | Feed 7 Generations
Leah serves as a program coordinator for Feed 7 Generations. She works in coordinating foundational programming that advances Indigenous health, food sovereignty, and community wellness. Her work includes leading the Native Grown and Gathered cohorts, connecting and supporting Indigenous agricultural and food entrepreneurs on their journey toward sustainable, community-centered impact.
She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Gonzaga University, with a specialization in Indigenous Pedagogy and Methodologies, and brings a long history of meaningful work with Indigenous organizations and nonprofits.
Leah is passionate about native plant seed gathering and amplifying the voices and businesses of Indigenous food entrepreneurs — ensuring their work reaches the communities and audiences it deserves.
Mariana Harvey (Yakama)
Education Specialist | Feed 7 Generations
Mariana is a citizen of Yakama Nation, an íła (mother) and an artist with a passion for protecting Native foods and medicines and sharing their gifts in community. Mariana serves as an Education Specialist at Feed 7 Generations in partnership with the Native Plants and Foods Institute. She has 10+ years experience organizing and teaching internships and classes on the Tend, Gather and Grow curriculum and the Plant Teachings for Growing Social-Emotional Skills toolkit in collaboration with tribal communities and organizations, tribal schools, and public schools.
Mariana holds a B.A. in American Indian Studies from Fort Lewis College. She is a 2021 NDN Collective ChangeMaker Fellow where she focused on expanding the Tend curriculum to Plateau Tribes. Mariana received the 2021 Potlatch Fund Spirit of Reciprocity Award and the 2018 Inspired Native Award from Eighth Generation. She serves as a board member at the Center for Indigenous Midwifery and advisory board member at the Evergreen State College House of Welcome s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ. Mariana is passionate about creating a future that children can fall in love with through connecting with the teachings of land.