The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) recognizes a need for youth and young professional programming to address a growing age gap in the agriculture industry. Because of this, IAC offers outreach, engagement, and development opportunities to equip Native youth with immersive learning experiences and leadership development such as internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to support long-term agricultural viability in Indian Country.
The IAC programs serve as a connection point to technical assistance and natural resource educational opportunities that provide meaningful partnerships and collaboration with industry partners and resources. As an example of this work, in July 2022, IAC's Pacific Region Technical Assistance Specialist Natalie Solares supported the planning of a workshop titled "Farming for Climate Resiliency: A Tribal Perspective" at the School of Adaptive Agriculture at Ridgewood Ranch south of Willits, California. The workshop focused on farming for climate resiliency. It included presentations and resources for prescribed burning, soil health, seed preservation and regenerative agriculture practices, emphasizing native pollinators and the importance of ecosystem diversity. Tribal youth, environmental staff, and community members attended the workshop, which was also an opportunity for Youth Program Director Elaini Vargas to share IAC resources available to Native youth and young professionals.
After the workshop, Atira, a youth attendee, shared, "I felt motivated and inspired to come back to Potawot Community Food Garden and get started on more projects. The growing methods during the farm tour were exciting to see." Workshops like this are just one example of IAC's commitment to leveraging resources that directly support the resiliency of Native producers and Indian agriculture.
Your support for IAC immediately impacts our ability to provide opportunities to Native youth and young professionals who contribute to furthering the goal of improving Indian agriculture and Native communities across the nation.
Native youth are the future of food security and sustainable economic development in Indian Country. We are dedicated to supporting future generations of Native producers by expanding advocacy, education, and multi-sector work through our programs. But we can't do this work alone. Will you consider making your gift to support Native youth and young professionals today?
JOIN US WITH A GIFT TODAY!
A gift of $25, $50, $100, $250–or any amount that is
meaningful to you–is significant in advancing our mission.
As part of the IAC mission, youth development opportunities utilize outreach and advocacy to prepare youth and young professionals for educational advancement and career placement. Learn more about FSA Youth Loans, IAC Summer Internship Programs, the Bob Miller Memorial Scholarship, Youth Soil Health Days, and the Native Youth Food Sovereignty Alliance (NYFSA) on our website at our Youth page.