Intertribal Agriculture Council Technical Assistance Network

Transcription

1 theta Network Intertribal Agriculture Council Technical Assistance Network

2 Intertribal Agriculture Council s Technical Assistance Network The core purpose of the Network meaningful technical assistance remains one of the first and foremost goals. This TA occurs in several different forums; whether on the road putting together a local meeting with producers and USDA officials, or sitting at the kitchen table helping a producer fill out applications, navigating existing rules and regulations to bring the producer s dream to fruition, the Network has been there. The footprint of the Network in carrying out these activities continues to follow the pattern of the previous two years, visiting scores of separate Reservations. The total as of this year s report is approximately 350. The economic impact for Indian Country attributable to the Network has been very significant; nearing $10 million in loans and over $3 million in conservation contracts. Network staff have made considerable inroads for Indian producers. In doing so they have also identified numerous ways to improve delivery of services. Network staff also identified areas of excellence and continues to work with the OTR and the USDA at the national level to replicate these models for success. With the USDA s Strikeforce initiative now in the second year of operation in Indian Country, the Network will work closely to bring its extensive experience in these areas to bear to assist in those efforts as well. Zach Ducheneaux is the Program Manager for the TA Network. He is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He grew up ranching on the Reservation. He and his family raise beef cattle and Quarter Horses. He started ranching on his own in Shortly after this, Zach was elected to serve on the Tribal Council. The Tribe appointed him to be the delegate to the IAC, and he currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

3 There are different ways to measure SUCCESS. Longevity, improvement, happiness, and simply making an effort; to name a few. This success story embodies all of these definitions. Wade Keepseagle, son of George and Marilyn from the first edition, was referred to the Network by his parents after their successful collaboration with the Network to resolve longstanding FSA Loan issues. After seeing firsthand, the demonstrated willingness of the FSA to make meaningful change to their way of doing business, the Keepseagles chose the Network and the FSA to assist them in planning for their future generations. Keepseagle - The Next Generation Wade got in touch with the Network in the spring of 2013 after visiting with his parents about their desire to step back from their ranching operation. After a couple meetings with Wade, George and Marilyn; a plan was developed, and an application was submitted to FSA in the Selfridge ND office. Given his firsthand knowledge not only of the plight of his folks, but also from his own previous dealings with the FSA, Wade was rightfully somewhat skeptical about the reception he'd receive, let alone his chances for success. In order to help ease his concerns, Network staff attended nearly every meeting with him, up to and including the loan closing. Zach Ducheneaux, Program Manager for the Network said of that meeting, "this is one of the proudest moments of my time with the Network. The longevity of the life's work of George and Marilyn will continue to grow through their son Wade's efforts. Plans to improve the ranch operations to new levels are under way. All parties involved made an effort and are happily working together toward a bigger and better future. The following stories take place in the regions in which the TA Network operates. They showcase the work of the TA Specialists in that region; and some glimpses of the successes we ve witnessed. It is encouraging to see the RESULTS of this work - - we need the continued support of USDA to continue on this journey. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

4 Great Plains Region Adam Schuchhardt is the Technical Assistance Specialist for the Great Plains Region. He joined the team in February He is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe where he grew up ranching. Adam attended Western Dakota Tech and received a degree in Ag Business. After graduating he worked for Walco International in the animal health field. Most recently, he worked for the FSA as a Loan Officer covering the largest territory in South Dakota (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) for 10 years. The Great Plains Region serves the following Tribes: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Council Lower Brule Sioux Tribal Council Oglala Sioux Tribal Council Omaha Tribal Council Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council Santee Sioux Nation Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation Spirit Lake Tribal Council Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council Trenton Indian Service Area Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Winnebago Tribal Council Yankton Sioux Tribal Business & Claims Committee Turtle Mountain Family Gary and Carol Hunt are enrolled members of the Turtle Mountain Tribe in northeast North Dakota and successful Keepseagle claimants. The Hunts have always dreamed of expanding their existing cattle operation to acquire additional livestock and owning land. They had attempted many times to expand their operation but felt resistance from lenders and FSA to assist them with adequate financing to fulfill their dreams. When an opportunity to expand their operation came up, they contacted the local TA network staff who assisted them in developing and packaging an application to submit to their local FSA Office. With persistence and drive of Gary, Carol, and TA Network Staff they jumped through the hoops of local loan officers personal preferences for the application. They revised and repeated forms to meet the loan officer s personal preference for an atypical application and completeness of forms. Without the assistance of the IAC s TA staff to help, the Hunt family dreams would have never became an achievable reality. In Gary s words, This would have never happened without the help from IAC staff. Ever more impressive, Gary and Carol are assisting with the beginning of the next generation of producers with their kids to follow in their footsteps to continue the legacy. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

5 Alaska Region Dave Monture is a Technical Assistance Specialist in the Alaska Region with responsibilities for Southwest and Northwest Alaska. He is a Bear Clan Mohawk. Studies include social sciences at the University of Western Ontario, the Banff School of Advanced Management and studies in conflict management and the art of negotiation. He has been a journalist; political advisor to two National Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations, Canada; and a Tribal Council Manager. He has a keen interest in circumpolar affairs and sustainable development. Dorothy Shockley is the Alaska Tribal Technical Assistant Specialist, covers the regions of Interior, South Central and South East Alaska. She is Upper Koyukon Athabascan and belongs to the Caribou Clan. Her undergraduate studies include Alaska Native Studies in the Rural Development program; Early Head Start and Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her former employment includes eight years as Legislative Staff to a distinguished Alaska Native State Senator; Supervisor, Trainer and Education Director for Council of Athabascan Tribal Government which represents ten communities in the vast Yukon Flats region; Village Liaison for the Interior Aleutians Campus/UAF. She is currently President of her Village Corporation and owner of a small business doing consulting work for native organizations including the Alaska Federation of Natives. Barbara Blake is a Part-Time Technical Assistant Specialist covering the regions of Interior and Southeast Alaska. She is of Haida, Tlingit and Ahtna Athabascan descent and belongs to the Yahkw Láanaas (Raven/Shark House) clan. She received her undergraduate degree(s) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a BA in Rural Economic Development and an AA in Tribal Management. She also holds a certificate in Tribal Governmental Business Law from Seattle University. Her former employment includes Program Assistant in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Office of Tribal Relations. The Alaska Region serves the following Tribes: Agdaagux Tribe of King Cove Akiachak Native Community (IRA) Akiak Native Community (IRA) Alatna Village Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Algaaciq Native Village Allakaket Village Angoon Community Association (IRA) Anvik Village Arctic Village Council Asa'carsarmiut Tribe Atqasuk Village Beaver Village Council Birch Creek Tribal Council Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Chalkyitsik Village Council Cheesh-Na Tribal Council Chevak Native Village Chickaloon Native Village Chignik Lagoon Council Chignik Lake Village Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan) (IRA) Chilkoot Indian Association (IRA) Chinik Eskimo Community Chitina Traditional Indian Village Council Chuloonawick Native Village Circle Native Community (IRA) Craig Community Association (IRA) The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

6 Curyung Tribal Council Douglas Indian Association (IRA) Egegik Village Eklutna Native Village Ekwok Village Elim IRA Council Emmonak Village Evansville Village Fairbanks Agency Gambell IRA Council Gulkana Village Healy Lake Village Holy Cross Village Hoonah Indian Association (IRA) Hughes Village Huslia Village Council Hydaburg Cooperative Assn. (IRA) Igiugig Village Inupiat Community of Arctic Slope (IRA) Iqurmiut Traditonal Council Ivanoff Bay Village Council Kaguyak Village Kaktovik Village Kaltag Tribal Council Kenaitze Indian Tribe (IRA) Ketchikan Indian Corporation (IRA) King Island Native Community (IRA) King Salmon Tribe Klawock Cooperative Association Knik Village Kobuk Traditional Council Kokhanok Village Kongiganak Traditional Council Koyukuk Native Village Larsen Bay Tribal Council Lesnoi Village Levelock Village Lime Village Traditional Council Louden Tribal Council Manley Hot Springs Village Manokotak Village Mary's Igloo Traditional Council McGrath Native Village Council Mentasta Lake Tribal Council Naknek Native Village Native Village of Afognak Native Village of Akhiok Native Village of Akutan Native Village of Aleknagik Native Village of Ambler Native Village of Atka Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government Native Village of Belkofski Native Village of Bill Moore's Slough Native Village of Brevig Mission Native Village of Buckland (IRA) Native Village of Cantwell Native Village of Chenega Native Village of Chignik Native Village of Chuathbaluk Native Village of Council Native Village of Crooked Creek Native Village of Deering (IRA) Native Village of Diomede (IRA) (aka Inalik) Native Village of Eagle (IRA) Native Village of Eek Native Village of Ekuk Native Village of Eyak Native Village of False Pass Native Village of Fort Yukon (IRA) Native Village of Gakona Native Village of Georgetown Native Village of Goodnews Bay Native Village of Hamilton Native Village of Hooper Bay Native Village of Kanatak (IRA) Native Village of Karluk (IRA) Native Village of Kasigluk Native Village of Kiana Native Village of Kipnuk Native Village of Kivalina (IRA) Native Village of Kluti-Kaah (aka Copper Center) Native Village of Kotzebue (IRA) Native Village of Koyuk (IRA) Native Village of Kwigillingok Native Village of Kwinhagak (IRA) Native Village of Marshall Native Village of Mekoryuk (IRA) Native Village of Minto (IRA) Native Village of Nanwalek (aka English Bay) Native Village of Napaimute Native Village of Napakiak (IRA) Native Village of Napaskiak Native Village of Nikolski (IRA) Native Village of Noatak (IRA) Native Village of Nuiqsut Native Village of Nunapitchuk (IRA) Native Village of Ouzinkie Native Village of Paimiut The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

7 Native Village of Perryville Tribal Council Native Village of Pitka's Point Native Village of Point Hope (IRA) Native Village of Point Lay (IRA) Native Village of Port Heiden Native Village of Savoonga (IRA) Native Village of Shaktoolik (IRA) Native Village of Sheldon Point Native Village of Shishmaref (IRA) Native Village of Shungnak (IRA) Native Village of South Naknek Native Village of St. Michael (IRA) Native Village of Stevens (IRA) Native Village of Tanana (IRA) Native Village of Tatitlek (IRA) Native Village of Tazlina Native Village of Tetlin (IRA) Native Village of Tyonek (IRA) Native Village of Unalakleet (IRA) Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government (IRA) Native Village of Wales (IRA) Native Village of White Mountain (IRA) Nelson Lagoon Tribal Council Nenana Native Association New Koliganek Village Council New Stuyahok Village Newhalen Village Newtok Traditional Council Nightmute Traditional Council Nikolai Village Ninilchik Traditional Council Nome Eskimo Community Nondalton Village Noorvik Native Community (IRA) Northway Village Nulato Tribal Council Nunakauyarmiut Tribe Ohogamuit Traditional Council Organized Village of Grayling (IRA) Organized Village of Kake (IRA) Organized Village of Kasaan (IRA) Organized Village of Kwethluk (IRA) Organized Village of Saxman (IRA) Orutsararmuit Native Council Oscarville Tribal Council Pauloff Harbor Village Pedro Bay Village Council Petersburg Indian Association (IRA) Pilot Point Tribal Council Pilot Station Traditional Village Platinum Traditional Village Council Port Graham Village Council Port Lions Traditional Tribal Council Portage Creek Village Council Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point Village Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska Rampart Village Ruby Tribal Council Scammon Bay Traditional Council Selawik IRA Council Seldovia Village Tribe (IRA) Shageluk Native Village (IRA) Sitka Tribe of Alaska (IRA) Skagway Village Sleetmute Traditional Council Solomon Traditional Council St. George Traditional Council Stebbins Community Association (IRA) Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak Takotna Village Tanacross Village Council Telida Village Teller Traditional Council Traditional Village of Togiak Tuluksak Native Community (IRA) Tuntutuliak Traditional Council Tununak IRA Council Twin Hills Village Council Ugashik Traditional Village Council Umkumiut Native Village Unga Tribal Council Venetie Village Council Village of Alakanuk Village of Anaktuvuk Pass Village of Aniak Village of Atmautluak Village of Chefornak Village of Clarks Point Village of Dot Lake Village of Iliamna Village of Kalskag Village of Kotlik Village of Lower Kalskag Village of Old Harbor Village of Red Devil Village of Salamatoff Village of Stony River Village of Wainwright West-Central Alaska Agency Wrangell Cooperative Assn. (IRA) Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Yupiit of Andreafski The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

8 Getting Alaska Involved in Agriculture The word is getting out!! Alaska's strong representation at the Annual Membership meeting in Las Vegas in 2013 is a huge success for Alaska s remote and diverse region. We had our first Alaska caucus where we discussed priorities, membership and how to be more engaged with USDA programs. The caucus submitted a number of resolutions to include the recognition of subsistence as agriculture production as it pertains to Alaska Natives. We had the following Tribes/entities join our caucus: Asa carsarmiut, Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association, Native Village of Eklutna, Tyonek Native Corporation, Native Village of Mekoryuk, Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance, Kwethluk IRA, and Cheesh na Tribal Council. Tribal Soil & Water Conservation Districts Tribal District Kuuvanmiut Tribal Conservation District Unmapped Tribal Districts: Akiachak Togiak Unmapped Potential Tribal Districts: Arctic Village Kenaitze Tanana Venetie Yakutat Asa'carsarmiut Tribal Conservation District Knik Tribal Conservation District Tyonek Tribal Conservation District Copper River Inter-Tribal Resource Conservation District Nunivak Tribal Conservation District Kuigglugmiut Tribal Conservation District Nondalton Tribal Conservation District Prince of Wales Tribal Conservation District Natural Resources Conservation Service - January 2014 Miles With a lot of work and perseverance by many people, Alaska now has eleven Tribal Conservation Districts that include twenty federally recognized Tribes, eight ANCSA Village Corporations, and one ANCSA Regional Corporation. These new districts include Mountain Village, Nunivak Island, Ambler, Copper River/Ahtna, Prince of Wales, Nondalton, Togiak, Akiachak and Knik. This is a HUGE success given all of the entities that came together and mutually agreed on common goals to protect their natural resources and become self sustaining. There are four additional Tribes, three in the interior and one in southeast Alaska, who requested information on establishing a TCD in their respected areas. One particular TCD recently established is the Copper River-Ahtna Inter-Tribal Resource Conservation District (CRITR). The Alaska TA network was able to play a small role in the finalization of this TCD. CRITR is a regional tribal conservation district with eligible membership including the federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Corporations in the The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

9 Ahtna Region. Currently membership is made up of the federally recognized tribes of Mentasta Traditional Council, Cheesh-Na Tribe, the Native Village of Gakona, Gulkana Village, the Native Village of Tazlina, the Native Village of Kluti Kaah and the Native Village of Chitina. The two Alaska Native Corporations, Ahtna Incorporated and the Chitina Native Corporation, are members. The TCD has created language demonstrating their value of wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and habitat. We were successful in completing another regional outreach session for a number of interior Tribes located within the Tanana Chiefs Conference area. Those Tribes and Tribal entities in attendance include Native Village of Tetlin, Nulato Tribal Council, Chalkyitsik Village, Nenana Native Village, Stevens Village IRA, Native Village of Minto, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, and Tanana Chiefs Conference. The Alaska TA s collaborated with a number of federal agencies to complete this successful outreach to include USDA-Rural Development, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, US Forest Service, and Food and Nutrition Service; US Department of Housing and Urban Development; US Department of Energy; Small Business Administration; US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration; and the Denali Commission. More and more Alaskans are looking at Agriculture as a means to solve food insecurity and better nutrition in schools. Alaska has a Food Policy Council and Alaska Food Resources Working Group. We still have a lot of work to do, but are confident in the successful access to all that USDA has to provide. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

10 Midwest Region Daniel Cornelius is the Intertribal Agriculture Council s (IAC) Technical Assistance Specialist for the Great Lakes Region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa. His position focuses on helping Indian Tribes and Tribal food producers gain better access to USDA programs, as well as on general food and agricultural issues. Much of his current work centers on strengthening connections and partnerships among the region s food producers and communities, a task highlighted by IAC s new Mobile Farmers Market. Mr. Cornelius also grows corn, squash, and other vegetables, as well as harvesting and processing wild rice. He is an alumnus of both University of Puget Sound and the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Bruce Savage is the Market Coordinator for the Mobile Farmers Market, he joined the IAC staff in February 2013 after previously participating in the American Indian Foods program. A Fond du Lac Band member in Minnesota, Bruce finishes wild rice and is a maple syrup producer. Lea Zeise recently joined the IAC staff full-time as a Marketing and Logistics Specialist. Her responsibilities include grant writing, helping to coordinate the schedule and customer accounts for the Mobile Farmers Market, organizing workshops, and providing technical assistance. Lea is from the Oneida reservation in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in mechanical engineering. The Midwest region serves the following Tribes: Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Bay Mills Indian Community Bois Forte Reservation Business Committee Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin Grand Portage Reservation Business Committee Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Hannahville Indian Community Ho-Chunk Nation Huron Potawatomi, Inc. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan Mille Lacs Band Assembly Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan Sokaogon Chippewa Community St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Stockbridge Munsee Community of Wisconsin White Earth Reservation Business Committee The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

11 Producer Profile: Mark & Mary McConnell Mark and Mary McConnell are small-scale farmers in northwest Wisconsin s Douglas County, close to the Fond du Lac Reservation where Mark is a member and the couple has been active over the years. In 2011, the couple attended an Intertribal Agriculture Council presentation on USDA programs where they learned about the NRCS high tunnel program. IAC then assisted them in getting in contact with the local NRCS District Conservationist who put together a conservation plan, opening funding for a large high tunnel that Mark installed in High tunnels are cost-effective greenhouses made from metal frames and strong plastic covering that can survive harsh winters and last up to ten years. The extremely cold spring of 2013 meant that nearly all of the local produce came from growers with high tunnels, which presented opportunity for the McConnell s. Mary McConnell started at the Scanlon Farmers Market in Minnesota before also starting to attend a new, smaller farmers market in Duluth. She typically sold out of all her produce, oftentimes making up to $150/market. Mark and Mary are now working with local extension service agents to learn more about value added processing and are also looking to expand their knowledge to improve their own operation and assist their family, friends, and neighbors. The McConnells experience demonstrates how a small amount of initiative combined with some hard work can yield great results. The NRCS high tunnel program is now expanding to allow traditional wood lodge frames. Sustainable Agriculture Workshop Series Update 2013 included the MOSES Organic Farming Conference, the Indigenous Farming Conference, the Food Sovereignty Summit, and two-day workshops at both Shakopee s Wazupi Farm and Oneida s Tsyunhehkwa will build on the previous years success by placing an increased emphasis on technical knowledge and skills such as seed saving, soil composition, business planning, and cover crops. The 2 nd Annual Food Sovereignty Summit will be held April 14-17, 2014, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This is a forum for sharing and collaboration to build healthy food systems within our communities. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

12 Mobile Farmers Market Update This has been a busy and productive first year for the Mobile Farmers Market. We have organized or participated in farmer s market events in over half of our region s 35 Tribes priorities are establishing a more regular route, providing additional support for start-up farmers markets, and expanding into additional areas like farm-to-school and elder nutrition programs. In early 2014, the Mobile Market embarked on a Reconnecting the Tribal Trade Routes Road trip. Throughout the spring of 2014, the van will travel thousands of miles through twenty different states. Along the way, they are introducing traditional Tribal food products into different Tribes and picking up a variety of new products. Hundreds of people have attended the market events, and they are also providing technical assistance by helping to spread awareness of numerous assistance programs and address specific issues. For more updates on the Mobile Farmer s Market and to read the Reconnecting the Tribal Trade Routes story, visit: The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

13 Navajo Region Danielle Notah began work with the Intertribal Agriculture Council as the Technical Outreach Specialist for the Montana/Wyoming Region in February In August 2011 she transferred to the Navajo Nation Region returning to her homeland and takes pride in working for her people. She is responsible for providing outreach, technical assistance and collecting and disseminating information on USDA s general purposes and programs to build a more serviceable relationship between USDA and Native American communities. Born and raised on the Navajo Indian reservation in Tohatchi, New Mexico, she attended secondary school in Tohatchi where she was active in 4-H and FFA showing market lambs, steers, hogs and horses. She earned her Associates Degree from Candeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten, ND and her Bachelor s Degree in Business Management from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Danielle lives in Tohatchi, NM with her three boys Briley, Brant, Bravin and daughter Braynelle. Danielle is excited to work with the Navajo communities in the Four Corners area of the United States. The Navajo Region serves the Navajo Nation Navajo Successes Increasing agricultural interest and activity on the Navajo reservation keeps the IAC s TA Network on the road. Navajo Farmers and Ranchers, cooperatives, associations, Navajo nonprofits and several Chapter Houses received assistance in 2013 and have projects that will carry into 2014 and beyond. Navajo TA clients needed assistance accessing USDA programs, conducting workshops on Keepseagle tax applications, and gaining access to scholarships and educational materials on USDA programs. Projects in the upcoming year include development of cattleman associations, cooperatives, value-added food chains, rural development, and continued efforts to identify Navajo producers that need assistance with their crops, livestock, conservation, and credit access. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

14 Development of a Livestock Inspection Station just south of Indian Wells, AZ is an example of multi-community projects being discussed. Ranchers from the surrounding communities and Navajo Nation inspectors currently set alongside Highway 77 and the Indian Route 15 junction without protection from the elements. A more developed inspection site would not only be safer but also allow for onsite training opportunities, livestock immunizations, and staging areas for cattle. A grant-writing workshop was conducted and several days spent assisting Luepp Family Farm and Tolani Lake Enterprise apply for a VAPG (Value-Added Producer grant) through USDA Rural Development. These organizations are working together to develop a local food system that will add value to excess vegetable production by canning salsa, packaging traditional corn dishes, and creating a Navajo-made product to sell in the surrounding tourism industry. Funding would finance a feasibility study and facilitate furthering the relationship between North Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ and the surrounding Navajo communities of Luepp, Tolani Lake, Dilkon, Indian Wells, Coalmine and Tuba City. Over 70 Navajo Keepseagle recipients attended workshops to inform and assist in dealing with tax implications of their settlements and to hear updates about USDA programming and eligibility. Workshops were held in the spring at Tuba City, Camp Verde, and Indian Wells. Navajo producers that received the Keepseagle settlement have purchased farm and ranch equipment, constructed buildings, and improved their farm homes. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

15 Northwest Region Katherine Minthorn Good Luck is the Technical Assistance Specialist working with the Tribes of Oregon and Idaho. She attended Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon State College. The past 20 years Katherine has served her Tribe (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla) as a member of the Natural Resources Commission, Tribal Farm Committee and Tiicham Conservation Board. She has served as a FSA State Committee member for Oregon since In 2008 Katherine was appointed to the Secretary of Agriculture s Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Michael Shellenberger is the Technical Assistance Specialist working with the Tribes of Washington State and Northern Idaho. Michael was born and raised on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Toppenish Washington. He received an Associate in Arts Degree and a Chemical Dependency Counseling Degree from Yakima Valley Community College; he also studied Environmental and Natural Resource Management at Central Washington University. He was a Chemical Dependency Counselor with Merit Resource Services; a Farm Service Liaison with the National Tribal Development Association. The Northwest Region serves the following Tribes: Burns Paiute Tribe, General Council Coeur d'alene Tribal Council Colville Business Council Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Tribal Council Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Tribal Council Coquille Indian Tribe Cow Creek Government Offices Cowlitz Indian Tribe Fort Hall Business Council Hoh Tribal Business Committee Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Council Kalispel Business Committee Kootenai Tribal Council Lower Elwha Tribal Council Lummi Indian Business Council Makah Indian Tribal Council Metlakatla Indian Community Muckleshoot Tribal Council Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Nisqually Indian Community Council Nooksack Indian Tribal Council Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Puyallup Tribal Council Quileute Tribal Council Quinault Indian Nation - Business Committee Samish Indian Nation Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Council Shoalwater Bay Tribal Council Siletz Tribal Council Skokomish Tribal Council Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Spokane Business Council Squaxin Island Tribal Council Stillaguamish Board of Directors Suquamish Tribal Council Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Tulalip Board of Directors Upper Skagit Tribal Council Yakama Nation The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

16 Breaking Ground In 2012 the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) broke ground for a new Tribal farm. They began by putting 106 acres of sage brush reclaimed farmland back into barley hay production. The last time this land was farmed was in the 1960 s. Jason Smith, Manager of the Range and Ag program and his staff cleared sagebrush from ground previously farmed that had gone back to its natural state. Throughout the year the ground underwent seedbed preparation. The vision to develop a Tribal Farm came well before the groundbreaking. It started with former Warm Springs Tribal Council Chairman Stanley "Buck" Smith leading the way in 2011 with a very supportive Tribal Council. The Tribal Farm was a top priority and vision for this Council and they provided the funding for the project. Now, it continues to have strong support by the new Tribal Council with Eugene Austin Greene as Chairman. This vision has now become a reality. In late 2012 CTWS hired Zane Wilson as their Tribal Farm Enterprise manager. Zane comes to the CTWS with a lifetime of experience through his family cereal grain and hay production farm in central Oregon and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Economics from Texas A & M University. During the 2013 harvest season Zane installed a new pivot system for the reclaimed 106 acres and produced 325 tons of barley hay, which gave him an average of 3.25 tons per acre on newly planted ground. This crop was selected as the first step in preparing the land for more profitable agronomic production. With the support of the Land Use and Range and Irrigation Committees, an additional 430 acres were included in the project. This larger parcel was more difficult to reclaim, but now is undergoing seed bed preparation and installation of 4 irrigation pivots, with projections of irrigating 500 acres. Similar agronomic practices will be used here for optimum crop selection and production. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

17 Early on during project inception, IAC staff met with Jason and his staff and inventoried the equipment and land with the use of the Web Equity program. Web Equity agricultural management software is utilized by IAC Technical Assistance Specialists to assist operators with set up and management of their records management. The Web Equity program includes general information, balance sheets, actual income/expense reports, projected income expense reports, credit presentation/risk rating, service and monitoring, and portfolio management. In March 2013 IAC with the assistance of Zach Ducheneaux, Program Manager for the Technical Assistance Centers and Katherine Minthorn, Regional Technical Assistance Specialist set Zane with the Web Equity Program for use in the management of the Tribal Agriculture Program. As a result, a CTWS Tribal Farm Business Plan was formed. With the assistance of Fara Brummer, OSU Agriculture Extension at Warm Springs, the Bureau of Reclamation provided funding for the purchase and installation of 4 Agri Met Weather stations for the farm. This leg of the project will in the future assist in the control the pivots by computer for scientific irrigation. Fara also had a leadership role early on with a farm supporting Crop Group, composed of Tribal members and staff from: Range and Ag, NRCS, and OSU. With the assistance from a grant from OSU, their focus was on soil conditions and crop selection possibilities. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is located in central Oregon in the Deschutes River Basin; land base is 667,000 acres of trust range and timberland. This farm is utilizing Tribal Reserved Water Rights confirmed in the 1997 Warm Springs Water Rights Settlement Agreement and adjudicated in the re-opened Deschutes Basin Stream Adjudication. Tribal membership is about 4,306 members and the Tribes employ about 800 employees. The Tribes operate some businesses under the Corporate Charter of their Constitution and By-Laws that operate independently of tribal government contributing to the economy of the reservation. These include Warm Springs Power & Water, Warm Springs Forest Products and Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Casino and Warm Springs Ventures. All Roads Lead to Youth Wyatt Wiltse is a 16 yr. old Native American Indian Youth, he is enrolled with the Yakama Nation Tribe of Eastern Washington. Wyatt is a junior at White Swan Senior High School and his is a very active FFA member at the school. Wyatt lives with his family located in White Swan Wa. The family is active in raising livestock that includes hogs, goats and cattle. Several Years ago Wyatt became interested raising livestock and decided to seek an FSA youth loan that he heard of through the outreach of the Intertribal Agricultural Council. Wyatt has secured several FSA youth loans and has built a herd of 17 head of cattle and 5 hogs. Wyatt has incorporated his cattle herd into the family operation and is very active in the management of the herd. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

18 Wyatt has also been active in showing his hogs at local events including the Central Washington Jr. Livestock Show in May of 2013 and the Central Washington State Fair this past September. Wyatt won best of show for his hogs. He is interested in attending these same events next year. Wyatt received a scholarship to the attend the IAC s Annual Membership meeting in December. He did a great job of representing the Yakama Indian Nation and his family s livestock operation. Wyatt has stated that he is interested in becoming a rancher full time after he is through with his education. He is interested in utilizing his reservations resources to help accomplish this goal. Wyatt is a prime example of what can occur when a combination of resources are utilized in a positive manner. The Intertribal Agricultural Council, Farm Service Agency, White Swan FFA chapter, and his family have all contributed to this youth s great success. Outreach Team Focuses on Business Strategies on Indian Land The Yakima Nation hosted a USDA outreach team lead by the University of Nevada, Reno to focus on business strategies on Indian lands in August The outreach team, funded by the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach and organized by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, provides on-the-ground expertise regarding budgeting principals, business planning, business risk, credit scores, marketing principals, and how to access USDA programs on Indian land. The national program team consisted on faculty and staff from Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), Affiliated Tribes of North West Indians (ATNI), USDA, Farm Service Agency (Washington), Utah State University and University of Nevada, Reno. The two-day event on August 14-15, 2003 in Toppenish, Washington focused on American Indian farmers, ranchers, tribal staff and others to build capacity on Indian land to sustain and enhance agricultural business activities. There were 43 participants; 23 attended the first day and 20 attended the second day. Participants stated in a post evaluation that the program was well organized, budget templates were very helpful and very good real life examples and experience were presented. Participants also reported that they had increased their knowledge and liked the intensity of experienced instructors. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

19 Rocky Mountain Region Anita Matt is the Technical Assistance Specialist for the Eastern Montana area of the Rocky Mountain Region. She is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe; she has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Agriculture from the Salish Kootenai College and the University of Montana. Prior to IAC, Anita managed the Tribal Realty Program and coordinated the Water Administration Program for her Tribe; she also provided outreach to Native American farmers and youth with the National FSA American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative. Kole Fitzpatrick is the Technical Assistance Specialist for the Rocky Mountain Region. He is a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. Kole attended the University of Montana and Salish Kootenai College majoring in Business Administration. Prior to IAC, Kole worked for the Native American Community Development Corporation providing technical assistance and financial literacy for farmers and ranchers. He resides with his family on his ranch in Browning, Montana. The Rocky Mountain region serves the following Tribes: Arapaho Business Committee Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Crow Tribal Council Fort Belknap Community Council Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Shoshone Business Committee Salish & Kootenai Repeat Success at the 2 nd Annual Rocky Mountain IAC Symposium The 2 nd Annual Rocky Mountain Intertribal Agriculture Council met at the KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson, Montana, August 22-23, The first day s agenda drew an attendance of 50 people with an additional 39 the second day. Some of this years topics included Carbon Coalition, Animal Disease Traceability, NRCS /FSA Roundtables, Farm Bill Updates, Risk Management Agency (RMA), US Fish & Wildlife and the USDA/ Montana -Animal, Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). A brief update was given by Joel Clairmont, Montana Department of Agriculture, Office of the Governor and also had Ross Racine, IAC Executive Director, gives updates on the Farm Bill and Department of Interior issues. Lunch provided by S&K Gaming and the door Prizes. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

20 All eight Tribes from the Rocky Mountain Region were represented at this year s conference. Anita Matt, IAC TA Specialist says I hope to see the event grow bigger and get better each year. The Flathead River Tour Rodeo was being held from August and gave plenty of entertainment during the evenings. Conservation and Ranching Encourage Next Generation Marla and family operate a small cow calf operation on the Blackfeet Reservation. They were looking for ways to expand their small cow calf operation with the use of USDA programs that fit their needs. They contacted IAC s regional tech Kole Fitzpatrick to assess their needs and find solution using USDA programing. Kole recommended the Conservation Stewardship Program offered by NRCS which was a good fit to the small, but well managed operation the Williams have been operating. The Williams were approved and now have a 5-year contract to further enhance their current conservation activities. Kole recommended the availability of youth loans within FSA Farm Loan Programs that their son and daughter were eligible for. Both kids are now enrolled in 4H and have loan applications turned in and are looking for bred cows. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

21 Southern Plains Region Zachary L. Butler Sr. is the Technical Assistance Specialist for the Southern Plains Region. He comes from the Bear clan on his Sac & Fox ancestry and the deer clan on his Shawnee ancestry. Zach received a Bachelors degree from Oklahoma State University in Agronomy (Soil Science). He has been with the Intertribal Agriculture Council since January He is committed to providing any Tribe or Tribal member with technical assistance with the different USDA agencies and programs. The Southern Plains region serves the following Tribes: Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Caddo Nation of Oklahoma Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Comanche Nation Delaware Nation Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska Kaw Nation Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Success Comes in Many Forms Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Wichita and Affiliated Tribes The following success stories may seem small in the bigger picture of Natives in agriculture but Zach Butler, TA Specialist feels that they are giant leaps in natives making a difference in agriculture in Oklahoma. He is still working on the issues of distrust from the native community and the Federal Government but is making small but progressive steps in ratifying this distrust. Zach tirelessly works with several producers and groups. He met with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and the manager of the Equine program for the Tribe. We have had several meetings with what services that I can provide to the program. The Tribe has been successful in the past securing EQIP contracts and other USDA programs to improve the Tribal lands. The Iowa Tribe equine program was created to help The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

22 teach horsemanship to Tribal members and their children, more so toward the kids. The program since its creation has helped several native kids and special needs kids in the basics of owning and caring of horses. The Tribe attends several parades and other events throughout the year and all the riders are comprised of Tribal members, other Tribes, and native kids. The TA Network is working with them with goal setting, business planning and an implement plan. The Tribe is interested in seeking grant funds to help with the equine program. In recent months, TA Staff has been working with producers to secure farm ownership loans from the FSA. One producer lives in the far northeastern part of the state of Oklahoma. She has recently moved home and was interested in purchasing some land that ran adjacent to her existing property. Deterred by the government shutdown, she sought funds through a commercial lending institute. She is working with Network staff to utilize other USDA programs that can help her implement conservation practices that will improve the land. She is also interested in FSA youth loans for her children. Another producer in Northeastern Texas is seeking a Farm ownership loan to purchase land for his operation. He is interested in grant money to create a program for native youth. Network staff is also working with groups of Native producers and landowners. Two of these groups are located in the Southwestern part of Oklahoma and the third is located in the Central part of the state of Oklahoma. All of these groups are in the infancy stage of forming a Co-op, associations, or LLC s. These groups are all comprised of producers of livestock, crops, and simply land owners who want to start utilizing their own lands. I have had one if not more meetings with these groups. Utilizing IAC s publication Guide to Reservation Cooperation Development. The plans are to support the idea of the creation of a foundation and the application process to this foundation to seek funds for their respective agriculture projects. Zach is also providing technical assistance with the group members on their individual operations. Zach says, As I stated this in the last success publication, the success in the Southern Plains region has been slow but I still feel that success is still forthcoming on Native operations in this region. I am excited about the creation of Cooperatives, associations, and LLC s. The Native voice will be uniform and not singular. The voice is a group is louder than that of a single individual. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

23 Southwest Region Desbah Padilla began her employment as Regional Technical Assistance Specialist for the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) in June, 2011 to serve the Southwest Region. Since joining IAC, she has provided outreach and technical assistance to twenty Pueblos and five Tribes in the region. Desbah grew up on her parents ranch at Bluewater Lake, New Mexico, which instilled a passion for farming and ranching. She has a bachelor s degree from the University of New Mexico in Environmental Planning and Design and currently resides in Albuquerque with her family. The Southwestern Region serves the following Tribes: Jicarilla Apache Nation Mescalero Apache Tribe Pueblo of Acoma Pueblo of Cochiti Pueblo of Isleta Pueblo of Jemez Pueblo of Laguna Pueblo of Nambe Pueblo of Picuris Pueblo of Pojoaque Pueblo of San Felipe Pueblo of San Ildefonso Pueblo of San Juan Norma s Catering Pueblo of Sandia Pueblo of Santa Ana Pueblo of Santa Clara Pueblo of Santo Domingo Pueblo of Taos Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo of Zia Pueblo of Zuni Ramah Navajo Chapter Southern Ute Tribe Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Norma and her husband, Hutch, plant and raise their own crops on a 10 acre farm in Santa Clara Pueblo. Together, they share the same values to carry on their family s agricultural traditions. The crops that they grow are blue corn, chico corn (a hard to find delicacy), chili, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peaches, and various produce. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring

24 After retiring as a Social Worker, Norma decided to create her own business where she could incorporate the abundance from her homegrown crops. Today, Norma owns a successful catering business and caters traditional prepared dishes throughout her community at celebrations, weddings, graduations, meetings and conferences. Norma grew up in Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo where her family raised cattle and farmed. Her family was great cooks and bakers. By the age of 10, Norma was helping with cooking and beginning to master the art of baking bread and pies in the family s horno (adobe bread oven). Norma and her husband have their own farm with cattle and chickens. The beef is grass fed and is incorporated in the food that she prepares for celebrations and events. Throughout the year, Norma offers hands-on cooking and baking classes that feature traditional dishes typically prepared for a feast. Students can learn how to dry and can foods properly in order to store and preserve the foods for future meal preparation. In addition, Norma offers a class where you can experience outdoor baking and learn how to build your own horno. TA Staff, Desbah Padilla says, Norma has a very unique business that integrates a sustainable living system using traditional knowledge and wisdom and hopes to teach her community how to become self-sufficient once again. According to Norma, food is much more than just eating. Food is a necessity that brings families together. Back when most people raised their own food and had the time to cook, we were healthier people, physically, mentally and spiritually. Partnership Success The Pueblo of Tesuque is located north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, next to the Rio Tesuque. The Tewa people (pueblo dwelling) have been farming this valley for over 900 years. As with many Native farming communities there has been a decline in farming around the end of World War II. In 1980, the Tesuque Tribal Council decided that agriculture needed to be restored. The Tesuque Natural Farms is a certified organic farm that includes 110 acres of land. With the help of a NRCS grant, a drip irrigation system was installed for water management practices. The farm has 750 fruit trees (30 varieties), 10,000 asparagus plants and is focusing on growing for seed. Recently, the pueblo completed a Seed Library (bank). This allows for more seed inventory and assist the development of seed production. The building was constructed by four men using straw bales, adobe, recycled tires, recycled lumber, doors and windows. The building is also powered by a large solar electric panel and heated entirely by passive solar. Again, with the help of a NRCS grant, there is a plan to install two new hoop houses to better manage the growing of crops and to extend the growing season. The hoop houses will house herbs and berries. There are also plans to install 6 additional hoop houses in the future. Tesuque Natural Farms is committed to providing good healthy produce, herbs and fruit to the residents of the Pueblo and local markets and is creating a sustainable food supply for a growing community. The TA Network Volume 2 Spring