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Native Americans


USDA Funding Supports Northeast Native Americans

MD Sharman, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT) is a Tribally led nonprofit organization committed to reconnecting and empowering various Indigenous peoples throughout the Northeast.

Equity Initiatives

Recognizing Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science Spotlights Christopher

December 02, 2024 Megan Guilfoyle, Public Affairs Specialist, Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area

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...

Research and Science

Funding from 2501 Program Strengthens Tribal Communities

November 21, 2024 MD Sharman, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

“We measure success one student at a time,” said John Phillips, chief of staff at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), an organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities at 37 Tribal colleges and universities throughout the United States. AIHEC plays a vital role in...

Equity Initiatives

Increasing Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Youth Engagement, Farmer Support, and Climate Adaptation on the Tohono O’odham Nation

April 14, 2023 Havala Schumacher, Management Analyst, NRCS Outreach and Partnerships Division

A sustainable and just local food system for Native Americans is the goal of an Arizona nonprofit. The Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Ajo CSA), a Native American-governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is working with the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona to preserve and revitalize...

Conservation Equity

Expanding Commodity Markets and Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and Values into Climate Smart Agriculture

January 24, 2023 Heather Dawn Thompson, Director of the USDA Office of Tribal Relations

USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations is excited about the Department’s new investments through Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. We’re investing a total of $3.1 billion in 141 projects. More than 20 tribes and tribal groups across the nation are partnering in many of these projects.

Climate Initiatives

The Value of Tribal Agricultural Traditions: A Youth Perspective

June 25, 2019 Sally Gifford, USDA Office of Communications

Food sovereignty – the ability to create a self-sufficient food system – is at the heart of the opportunities and challenges facing the Navajo Nation. This spring, Diné College students Tyler Begay, Korrie Johnnie, and Orean Roy were recognized for their exploration of this topic during the American...

Conservation Farming

Tribal Colleges: Acknowledging the Past, Understanding the Present, and Aspiring to a Successful Future

October 25, 2017 Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Oct. 20, 1994, is an important milestone in our nation’s history in regards to equity in research, education, and extension. On that date, 29 tribal colleges, representing different histories, cultural orientations, and organizational structures, received land-grant university (LGU) status. Such LGU...

Research and Science

Market News Report Aims to Bring Transparency and Pricing Information to Tribes

November 16, 2016 Craig A. Morris, Deputy Administrator of the AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, there were 71,947 American Indian or Alaska Native farm operators in the United States in 2012, accounting for over $3.2 billion in market value of agricultural products sold. Tribal Nations were identified as one group that is an underserved segment of...

Initiatives Conservation

Harvest Time: Celebrating Native American Heritage and Traditional Foods in FDPIR

November 14, 2016 Lindsay Williams, Food Distribution Division, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Autumn is a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for, as we enjoy the harvest of nature’s bounty during gatherings with family and friends. In Indian Country, culture and tradition are sustained through shared meals with family and the community. Traditional foods are a powerful way...

Conservation Food and Nutrition

Conservation as a Peace Offering to Vietnam War Veteran

November 10, 2016 Jocelyn Benjamin, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation is giving Vietnam War veteran Gilbert Harrison a peace offering of healing, helping to balance the stresses of war. For Harrison, conserving the natural resources on his farm is an important outdoor activity. And who better to care for the land than the veterans who fought to protect it...

Conservation
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