During Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science recognizes the invaluable contributions that Native American employees have made in advancing agricultural science and innovation that benefits us all. From advancing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in research to ensuring the next generation of agriculture is inspired to lead—the employees spotlighted below are an integral part of carrying out USDA’s mission.
Name: Christopher Petty
Title: Program Specialist
Agency/Office: USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Briefly describe your job.
I make children’s lives better through my work to facilitate 4-H and Positive Youth Development for military connected families. I also assist the approval process for national 4-H events and activities like National 4-H Conference, held every year at USDA’s headquarters in Washington D.C.
Tell us about your heritage and what it means to you?
I am a bear clan member of the Iowa (Baxoje) Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. The state of Iowa was named after my ancestral people. The Baxoje (a Sioux term for “People of the grey snow”) historically lived in a region from the lower Great Lakes Region to northern Missouri, and now have two sovereign Tribal nations, one near White Cloud, Kansas and another near Perkins, Oklahoma. My heritage from my maternal ancestry reminds me of who I am and connects me to the land’s original stewards. Multiple generations of my family have a connection to our reservation in northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska.
How do you honor your heritage and culture at work?
I try to be mindful to always make my ancestors proud.
What is your favorite cultural tradition and why?
Each September our Tribe has a “Fall Encampment.” This includes a Powwow and a campout. It’s a time for non-reservation Tribal members to come home and reconnect. We also celebrate major events with feasts.
What is your favorite quote?
When things didn’t go as planned, my grandma always used to say, “Such is Life.” It was her way of saying you have to deal with whatever is handed to you.