The world is at a crossroad of multiple crises. Returning to look back to Indigenous wisdoms is vital as we look to the future. This session shares the journey of developing an Indigenous verification and validation system for Kai Atua (Pure Food) or Māori organics. It is a framework developed over a decade ago by the Māori Organics group – Te Waka Kai Ora and is fast becoming a pathway for Māori communities to reclaim food sovereignty. It is based on the divine Indigenous wisdom of Māori ancestors and was developed to ensure there was a kaupapa Māori pathway for organics in Aotearoa NZ. This session will explain the core values of the Hua Parakore as well as the politics of food and soil sovereignty in Aotearoa NZ. It will also shine a light on the experience of a new producer who has recently joined the system on behalf of one of Auckland’s largest tribes.