Flint Fire Cattle Company
Part of our ARPA projects are related to food sovereignty. When the meat processing plants were forced to close during the first phase of COVID, it highlighted the disparity and vulnerability facing our people. Many tribal nations have progressed in this area and are addressing concerns such as farming, ranching and meat processing. Not only for their Tribes but for local farmers and ranchers in their area. I am pleased to announce we have taken the first steps to begin addressing this ourselves. We want to introduce you to “Flint Fire Ranch.”
The Nation has initially purchased 390 acres of land which will be used to create the foundation for the Ranch. The acreage consists of two functioning ranches and another for haying and possibly a feeder lot. The Nation plans to build upon this initial investment to grow and expand into tribal meat distribution. Things are progressing and we have begun acquiring the equipment and will soon be moving forward with the initial cattle purchase.
When thinking of a name, we felt it was important to incorporate our heritage and history. After much consideration, “Flint Fire Ranch” was chosen. As part of our culture and Seneca Cayuga heritage, many identifiers set us apart, but none stood out as much as “Flint Fire.” The flint fire symbolizes many things; for us and many tribes fire is life itself. The flint fire is created with “flint and steel” where the right spark brings the fire to life. As such it is also “clean.” No chemicals or paper are used in its creation. When the Seneca Cayuga gather in the Spring for the first dance (Sun Dance), a flint fire is built to signify the beginning. The beginning of the new growing season and to give thanks for the sun and all things the creator has provided his children. We felt the name fits the Nation very well on this endeavor for a tribal food source and are excited for what the future holds.