2013 Success Story Publication - Intertribal Agriculture Council

InIntodf
TA Network
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t
Intertribal Agriculture Council
Technical Assistance Network
The successes documented in this publication recognize the American Indian
spirit and highlights values such as perseverance, patience, persistence, and trust
and
the willingness
to meet adversities
and succeed through these values.
Intertribal
Agriculture
Council’s
Intertribal Agriculture Council - Technical Assistance Program - PO Box 430 - Eagle Butte, SD 57625 - www.iactechhelp.com
Intertribal Agriculture Council’s
Technical Assistance Network
“The importance of Technical Assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, value-added food producers, and those interested in the entire food sector in Indian
Country cannot be overstated. To be able to access the programs and services in the longstanding agencies and programs of USDA is essential to success. Knowing the when, how, why,
who, and what is imperative to building successful businesses in Indian Country. Having the
Intertribal Agriculture Council as a long and steady partner in this Technical Assistance role is
absolutely critical. They are on the ground in Native communities; they see the problems and
challenges up close; and they are committed to the hard work of making good things happen. In
these times of federal budget challenges, delivering on the promise of Indian Country will be
even more challenging, and federal agencies and departments can no longer expect to do it on
their own. They need strong partners. Intertribal Agriculture Council has been committed
when others were not. The important work of these Technical Assistance Specialists in their
communities is vital and their passion for what they do is real. They are the missing link to
success. Seeing their results in loans granted, acres planted, acres conserved, economic
development projects materialized - - this is just the beginning.”
– Janie Simms Hipp (former Director, Office of Tribal Relations)
Janie Simms Hipp (Chickasaw) is the Director of the Indigenous Food and
Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas’ Robert A. Leflar Law
Center. As the former Director of the Office of Tribal Relations, Janie
worked closely with the Intertribal Agriculture Council and was instrumental
in the creation of the Technical Assistance Network.
I
n the fall of 2010, through the ongoing efforts of the staff, board of directors and
member Tribes of the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), an agreement was reached with the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that would greatly enhance our ongoing
mission to address many of the issues identified by the Indian Agriculture Work Group, back in
1987. Among the issues addressed were the erosion of the reservation land base with its
significant cultural attributes and decreased private enterprise in the agriculture sector, which
ultimately resulted in increased dependency on public assistance and Federal support, while
undermining the long-term efforts at Native American and Alaskan Native self-sufficiency. To
date, the private sector has been unable or unwilling to meet the needs of Indian Agriculture. For
this reason the working group has concentrated on Federal policies and programs in an effort to
define realistic and meaningful actions, which reverse the trends in Indian Agriculture.
Fast forward to the 2010 landmark settlement of Keepseagle v. Vilsack, which incorporated the
establishment of regional technical assistance aimed at helping Indian producers overcome the
obstacles that have prevented optimal access to the programs and services of the USDA. The
Intertribal Agriculture Council was engaged to deliver these services through the deployment of
regional Technical Assistance providers (TA Network).
Meaningful Technical Assistance remains one of the first and foremost goals of IAC and this
project. Meaningful TA occurs in several different forums; whether on the road putting together
a local meeting with producers and USDA officials; sitting at the kitchen table helping a
producer fill out applications, or helping to navigate existing rules and regulations to bring a
producers dream to fruition.
In just two short years, the economic impact for Indian Country by the Network has been very
significant; over $6 million in loans, over $2.5 million in conservation contracts, securing grants
from Tribal and Federal sources, and several million dollars in Keepseagle settlements and loan
forgiveness can be directly attributable to Network participation. What makes the infusion of
these resources even more meaningful is the significant improvement in relationship between
Indian Country and USDA, which must be fostered and continually improved in order to realize
the rural economic improvement possibilities. Settling the Keepseagle case was the first step in
that journey; making the impacts of the TA Network real and lasting is the next step.
With continued policy guidance by the IAC Membership and the leadership offered by the IAC
Board of Directors; the TA Network is poised to serve a vital role in taking Indian Country
natural resources to the next level—providing technical assistance in developing our natural
resources and embracing wholesale and retail opportunities for our products that will impact our
local economies. By reaching for this goal of moving Indian Country closer to self-sufficiency
and sovereignty by feeding ourselves better, from our own resources, and in a sustainable manner
we can further realize the enormous economic opportunity our communities have before them.
Zach Ducheneaux
is the Program Manager for the TA Network. He is a member of the
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in north central South Dakota. He grew up ranching on the
Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. He and his family raise beef cattle and Quarter Horses. He
started ranching on his own in 1993 with the assistance of a Bureau of Indian Affairs Economic
Development Grant. Shortly after this, Zach was elected to serve on the Tribal Council on the
Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. During his term there he was appointed by the Tribe to be
the delegate to the IAC, and was subsequently elected to serve as Secretary of the Board of
Directors.
What follows is a brief snapshot of each of the regions in which the TA Network
operates; a little about the TA Specialists working for the Network in that region;
and some glimpses of the success stories we can share. We have only begun to see
the RESULTS of this work - - much more needs to follow and we need the strong
support of USDA to continue on this journey.
Great Plains Region
Adam Schuchhardt is the Technical Assistance Specialist for the Great Plains Region. He
joined the team in February 2013. 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:
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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
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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
The Heart of the Keepseagle Settlement
George and Marilyn Keepseagle have been ranching since the early 1950s. As named plaintiffs
in the recent lawsuit, it’d be expected that they’d be forever jaded about participation in any
USDA Programs.
Keepseagle class counsel called the network seeking assistance with FSA loan servicing for
George and Marilyn, to ensure that they were compliant with FSA regulations. Zach
Ducheneaux drove to Selfridge ND to meet them. Zach says “Driving into their place on a gravel
road, you are immediately overcome with a sense of history and pride, with the house George
was born in still there and in good repair. Nothing appears out of place”. Only after visiting for
an hour or so, to take the measure of Zach, did the invitation to come inside to talk business
materialize.
It didn’t take Zach long to understand why, out of thousands of claimants, the Keepseagles’ were
chosen to represent the class. Kind, sincere, trusting and soft-spoken, they epitomize Indian
producers everywhere. George and Marilyn had literally put every last thing they had into their
operation in an effort to make it work. A 45-year employee of the BIA, Marilyn had gone so far
as to cash out her retirement in an effort to save the family place. George did everything he was
able as well, scraping and clawing to operate the last few years with little to no credit for
operating.
Because it had taken several years to settle the case, George and Marilyn’s operation was not only
the victim of attrition at the hands of
some FSA officials, it was also under
the grinding pressure of many years
of accumulated interest.
After this first meeting, it was also
plain to see that the Keepseagles
weren’t obstinate or belligerent
borrowers. They were very willing to
consider all options, hadn’t closed
their mind to the prospect of working
with the FSA despite the lawsuit, and
readily accepted the help that was
offered. TA Network staff, along
with a summer intern funded by Four
Bands Community Fund in Eagle Butte, SD, went to work on behalf of the Keepseagles.
Assisting with everything from compiling records for tax preparation and researching the
regulations regarding loan servicing, to filling out the Primary Loan Servicing form with them,
the TA Network supported them through this time.
Under the Keepseagle settlement, successful Keepseagle claimants were to have their FSA debt
forgiven. What isn’t so well known is that George and Marilyn Keepseagle were able to, with the
assistance of the IAC TA Network and the FSA under the leadership of the likes of Chris
Beyerhelm and Bruce Nelson, under existing regulation and law, come up with a Loan Servicing
plan that would have saved their operation, debt forgiveness or not. The plan would’ve allowed
the Keepseagles to maintain, and expand their operation in order to increase repayment ability,
something George has always wanted to do.
The Keepseagles were willing; the motivated FSA leadership combined with the assistance of the
Network could help bring about a favorable resolution to a decades old situation. Not only were
the Keepseagles pleased with the outcome, they have since worked with the NRCS and with the
help of Corie Lund, are now successful participants in the Conservation Stewardship Program.
Zach adds “George is a real nice guy, everyone should have a chance to meet him, if anything, to
thank him for the stand he took for Indian Country; he is a true advocate for the network”.
Wait and See Attitude + Persistence = Success for Young Professional
Lyle Smith is the Tribal Project Coordinator for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. With an
Environmental Science degree in his toolbox, he successfully managed the construction of a $100
million dollar hospital project. His professional success speaks for itself.
In 2010, Lyle applied for an FSA loan to borrow money to purchase a portion of the ranch he
was raised on. The FSA decision on the loan application at the local and state level said that he
wasn’t qualified.
The TA Network staff helped Lyle appeal the decision and the FSA state executive director
upheld the decision at the local level. The TA Network then took to issue to the national level,
with their assistance, the TA network was able to re-engage the local and state officials. Lyle
resubmitted his loan his loan application and two years after his initial application he finally
succeeded and closed on the loan.
He is now seeking an operating loan to put the land to use. He is working with the local TA
Network staff to assemble an “atypical” package – his plan pushes the regulations to their limits,
again treading in uncharted FSA territory. Lyle’s success is attributed to his “wait and see”
attitude and the TA Networks’ persistence.
Alaska Region
Barbara Blake
is the Alaska 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.
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.
The Alaska Region serves the following Tribes:
We realize this is a long list but it depicts the vastness of the state and the distances the two
Technical Specialists serve.
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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)
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Chinik Eskimo Community
Chitina Traditional Indian Village Council
Chuloonawick Native Village
Circle Native Community (IRA)
Craig Community Association (IRA)
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)
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
Alaska Partnerships through TCDs
Tribal
Conservation
Districts in Alaska are
still a new concept.
Forming,
developing
and retaining TCDs in
Alaska proved to be a
complex process for TA
Network staff Barbara
Blake.
The Alaska Native
Claim Settlement Act
involvement
was
a
hurdle in addition to the
fact the State of Alaska
does
not
recognize
Tribes. Lastly, access to
USDA and other federal, state and local entities is limited because much of the Tribal entities in
Alaska are off-the-road systems (systems that are remote with limited access to resources).
Nevertheless, Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) was established in 2005 and was the
first ever established district in the State of Alaska. Unlike TCDs in the lower 48; TTCD was
formed through a Mutual Agreement not only between the Tribe (Native Village of Tyonek),
the TCD and USDA NRCS but Tyonek Native Corporation (ANCSA Corporation) as well.
Their mission statement is to conserve, enhance, and encourage the wise use of the natural
resources in game management unit 16B. TTCD’s vision is to become self-sustaining, protect
natural resources, and have an integrated, sustainable approach to energy use.
Kwethluk TCD was also able to plant a community garden with the assistance from the NRCS
in Alaska. They were able to purchase and use three different sized high tunnels. Logistically
speaking, ordering and shipping the high tunnels alone to the remote village of Kwethluk is no
easy task. The high tunnels arrived via barge in a large conex last year. This year planting took
place in an abandoned runway located on the edge of town.
Barbara commends the Tyonek and Kwethluk TCD’s “They should be recognized to share their
stories of not only their community garden but their perseverance and dedication to conserving
and enhancing their natural resources for generations to come through their TCD’s”. She adds
“Every region in the US is unique and diverse, but both Tyonek and Kwethluk are “off” the road
system and they are able to succeed in their work and provide inspiration to other Alaska Tribal
communities: Both TCDs can also highlight the many other partnerships they developed with
other federal, state and local entities to help them succeed.
Reclaiming Sacred Traditions
At one time Alutiiq families were the majority of fishermen in the Kodiak Archepelago. Today
out of some 520 salmon licenses - only 70 are in the hands of Alutiiq families. A hemorrhaging
of natural resources was occurring with the Sunaq tribe in Kodiak, Alaska. They wanted to
position themselves in the value added sector of the seafood industry. Most Kodiak fish
processors are selling fish in the round and shipping them to Asia to be finished. The goal of this
landless tribe was to secure the resource, add value in Kodiak, provide jobs for its members and
establish its own markets while buying fish directly from the tribal members.
Dave Monture was the economic development director for the Sunaq Tribe at the time and
recently joined the staff of the TA Network. He encouraged the Tribe to consider the option of
a Section 17 Corporation - direct charter between the Tribe and Congress, established during
the Indian Reorganization Act. In Alaska, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act left the
Tribes landless and created State corporations and the tribal members became the shareholders.
The corporations are state chartered. However; a Section 17 corporation enables a Tribe in
Alaska to reinforce its federal relationships. It enables them to gain an equal footing with Tribes
in the Lower 48 States for the purposes of tax planning and doing business. Sunaq Tribal
Enterprises purchased 100% ownership of the Kodiak Island Wild Source Company. The Tribe
was able to persuade the president of the company to join the Tribe’s Section 17 Corporation
and made him the CEO of the corporation. He had been an employee of a major Alaska seafood
processor for 17 years, it was always his dream to establish a value added enterprise and step away
from the large “corporate” environment. They have worked at creating a vertically integrated
fisheries operation – basically, putting a thumb in the dyke to stop the hemorrhaging of
resources.
The company has been working with Nathan Notah of the American Indian Food program of
the Intertribal Agriculture Council. Nathan is helping them get established in the Foreign
Exports Market.
Dave says “working with Kodiak Island Wild Source through IAC has been a privilege. The
Sunaq Tribal enterprise is enabling members to regain skills and balance the economic equation
through its own food security measures. There is a continuity of some 7,500 years of seafaring
tradition which they have called upon.”
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 WisconsinMadison.
The Midwest region serves the following Tribes:
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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
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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
Mobilizing Agricultural Markets
Stronger connections, partnerships, and communications among Great Lakes Region Tribal
food producers were the missing links in promoting expanded Tribal agriculture. Partnering
with the Oneida Nation, the IAC technical assistance specialist organized a Great Lakes Region
Tribal Food Producer Summit in April 2012 that drew over fifty participants from across the
region and as far as Oklahoma. Funding from First Nations Development Institute and a grant
secured from North Central Region SARE allowed travel scholarships and covered meeting
expenses, including highlighting regional foods (much of which was donated by
participants). The summit was a resounding success, especially in its focus on giving attendees
the ability to share their stories in a manner that significantly helped develop connections.
Building on this success, a $75,000 SARE Professional Development Program (PDP) grant was
secured to hold a series of Tribal sustainable agriculture skills workshops across the region over
the next three years. In April, 2013 along with the Oneida Nation and First Nations
Development Corp, the Great Lakes IAC Region sponsored the 1st Annual Food Sovereignty
Summit in Green Bay, WI. The Summit was a major success with approximately 300
participants connecting with one another while learning about various topics in three different
tracks. The event was an excellent opportunity to visit some great Tribal operations, including
Tsyunhehwka, Oneida’s traditional and organic operation, that grows and processes the Oneida
white corn. The sales booth was a great chance to work out the kinks in our setup and begin to
spread awareness of the project. Several products sold out, and many people are inquiring about
larger future orders and ways to partner with their local communities.
A regional website and newsletter are further attempts to strengthen communication and
connects, and he’s also working on developing additional strategies and projects, including a
technology-based youth learning initiative, for expanding and promoting intertribal
communication and partnership.
In the Fall 2012, the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) received a Farmers Market
Promotion Program (FMPP) grant to start a Mobile Farmers Market, which is a fuel-efficient
cargo van that will be helping to establish farmers’ markets in local communities and strengthen
the Tribal regional food distribution network. Full operations are anticipated to begin in early
June 2013. The Mobile Farmers Market has two primary objectives: 1) expand market access for
Tribal food producers and 2) increase availability of fresh, healthy, and traditional food items,
especially in remote Tribal communities.
The project is seeking to partner with existing Tribal farmers markets and helps create new ones
where there is community interest. Initial plans include every other week stops through most of
northern Minnesota and Wisconsin and monthly through the rest of the region. The van arrived
on April 1st & will begin full operations in early June.
Adding Value to Value Added
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program was promoted by working with tribal
groups on developing applications for the summer of 2011, but soon eligibility issues surfaced.
Passing those stories along to USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) and maintaining
contact with USDA resulted in the Rural Development agency implementing an Administrative
Notice clarifying Tribal eligibility for the VAPG in 2012. However, despite clarified Tribal
eligibility, a major hurdle still remained in the 50% matching funds requirement. Dan secured a
$100,000 commitment from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to be used as a 25%
match for Tribal applicants in the Great Lakes and Dakotas. This match assistance significantly
improved Tribal interest, and four Tribal Applications from the region moved forward. These
applications, along with several more applicants that considering applying, should translate into
additional future applications id program funding becomes available> Dan also assisted with an
application from a fisher family to help open a small fish company on the Columbia River in the
Pacific Northwest.
Dan says: “Laying the foundation for expanded food production and more resilient food
systems are the first step toward improving the health of our communities and generating
sustainable economic development.” He adds:
“although the Value Added Producer Grants
applications weren’t initially successful, the steps the IAC and the Rural Development took will
help future grant applicants be successful”.
Find more information on the Mobile Farmers Market at www.NativeFoodNetwork.com. They
keep their Facebook customers and producers updated on their Facebook site as well.
Navajo Region
Danielle Notah
began work with the Intertribal Agriculture Council as the Technical
Outreach Specialist for the Montana/Wyoming Region in February 2011. 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 and Bravin and is excited to
work with the Navajo communities in the Four Corners area of the United States.
The Navajo Region serves the Navajo Nation
Progress In The Middle of Nowhere
The Navajo Nation encompasses the
states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New
Mexico; an area the size of the State of
Iowa.
The Navajo Nation-IAC Region Office
organized a Navajo reservation wide
USDA outreach meeting in Shonto, AZ,
a relatively remote location in western
Arizona. The turn out at this meeting
was an important success in terms of
meetings held in remote locations on the
vast Navajo reservation where very little
efforts are made to actually reach the
isolated grass roots agriculture producers.
USDA representatives were brought to the meeting from the state and local NRCS offices to
speak about program opportunities and pilot easement programs; FSA to discuss program
updates; and APHIS PPQ to give updates and present their programs on Tribal Relation efforts
and challenges. Turn out for the meeting was very good with more than half the participants
being grass roots producers. Gilbert Harrison, who was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture
to the new Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers, also an outcome of the
Keepseagle settlement, was able to address the participants at the program. He explained his role
on the Council and stressed that Native people need to work very diligently together to get
things accomplished at all levels with USDA: national, state, and local.
The Navajo Nation-IAC Region Office covers a territory of more than 27,000 square miles; the
Navajo Nation occupies portions of northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and northwestern
New Mexico. It is the largest land area assign primarily to a Native American jurisdiction within
the United States. The TA Network staff person makes it a point to attend and conduct
numerous Navajo chapter/community visits throughout the reservation. A “Chapter” is a form of
local government entities modeled after State government forms; such as counties or townships.
There are 110 Chapters in the Navajo Nation and working with local USDA offices make FSA
programs such as the Wool and Mohair subsidy Payment Program, the Livestock Forage
Disaster program and the 2011 Notice of Loss on Native Grass for Grazing program available to
native producers. Danielle travels to very remote locations throughout the Navajo Nation and
had the privilege to meet with many grass roots Navajo people, some of which did not speak
English. These visits continue to be a highlight of the job since Danielle is able to assist USDA
staff in helping and explaining to traditional Navajo farmers and ranchers the sign-up processes
and procedures. When USDA program personnel aren’t fluent in Navajo she provides
translations for USDA staff.
Danielle says: “I work hard in my region to make sure grass roots Navajo people are aware of
the United States Department of Agriculture. I know as long as I get the word out on USDA
there will be more interest which will lead to more participation in programs.”
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 1997. 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:
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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
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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
Vaccination Clinics – A Step in the Right Direction
A partnership was created with the
Animal Plant Health Inspection
Service/Vet
Services
(APHIS),
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and
Intertribal Agriculture Council to
provide vaccination clinics for horses
on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
The cost of vaccinations and vet
services is cost-prohibitive to most
tribal members wishing to have their
horses tested and vaccinated. Horses
are transported from reservation to
reservation in the summer months for
various parades, celebrations, rodeos and horse racing, specifically between the States of
Washington and Oregon. Currently, there are no requirements to acquire Coggins and health
certificates between the sister States.
The combined effort provided a critical service to horse owners on the reservation. APHIS
provided the veterinarian to vaccinate the horses and complete the forms for the Coggins testing.
CTUIR on behalf of their tribal members funded the Coggins testing and IAC provided
coordination, advertisement and administration of the vaccination clinics. At the clinics, a total
of __ horses owned by members of the CTUIR have been Coggins tested, wormed and
vaccinated for West Nile Virus and 4-way Vaccinations for Eastern and Western
Encephalomyelitis, Influenza and Tetanus.
Tribal Advisory Councils
During the first quarter of 2012 several Northwest area Tribes were introduced to the Intertribal
Agriculture Council’s Regional Technical Assistance Program. Formally developing Tribal
Advisory Council’s was a determined first step from those initial meetings.
The Tribes of Idaho have all by resolution designated their representatives to the Idaho NRCS
Tribal Advisory Council and eight of the nine Tribes of Oregon have by resolution designated
their representatives to the Oregon NRCS Tribal Advisory Council.
Katherine and the Oregon NRCS worked with Jerry L. Thompson, Program manager for the
Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (WTCAC) to provide training on “Tribal
Participation on State Technical Committees” the week of April 8-12, 2013, a four day
workshop for the Tribes of Oregon and Idaho, the workshop was hosted by the Confederated
Tribes of the Umatilla at Tamastsalikt Cultural Institute.
The opening presentation was made to the USDA staff in attendance, the video AMERICAN
INDIAN HOMELANDS (by Indian Land Tenure Foundation) was shown for the USDA staff
to understand the chronological order of the various bills and laws that have created the
government to government relationships and the Treaty obligations with ALL Federal
Government agencies, not just the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Indian Health Service.
Several USDA staff members gave presentations were made and Jerry Lauer, SuperintendentUmatilla Agency-BIA, made a presentation on the new Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with NRCS and FSA as well as the MOU with Rural Development. Jerry Thompson,
Program Manager-Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council provided training to the
tribal delegates on their participation on State Technical committees.
Overcoming Adversity with Determination
Shawna is a 33-year-old member of the Warm Springs Tribe of Eastern Oregon. She grew up
on the Yakama Indian Reservation in White Swan, Washington. As a teenager, Shawna was
dealt a tough hand in life - she was involved in a terrible automobile accident that left her
disabled and wheelchair bound; however, the accident did not deter Shawna in obtaining the
goals she has set for herself.
Shawna became interested in her stepfathers’ small but successful farming operation. She was
interested in the management of the operation and was instrumental in using management
software to track the successes. It has proven to be a great partnership, her stepdad provides the
labor and Shawna provides the brain. She convinced her stepfather to help her purchase some
cattle and now owns ten cow calf pairs.
Inspired by the management of the operations,
Shawna enrolled in the Business Management
program at Heritage College. She is currently
excelling in these classes and is very motivated
to expand her Livestock Operation.
In December of 2012, with the assistance of
Mike at IAC and the FSA Loan Officer,
Crispin Garza, Shawna successfully received a
$35,000 Direct Operation Loan.
She
purchased 35 Black Angus Heifers and 2
Angus Bulls and is well on the way to seeing
her dreams come true.
Shawna says; “If it wasn’t for the outreach of
the Intertribal Agricultural Council, I would
not have known that this loan was available,
Thank You Mike!”
One Determined Teenager
Devalyn is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee and a Yakama Nation
descendant. She is seventeen and currently attends Toppenish High School and Yakima Valley
Technical School where she is studying Physical Therapy and Occupational Medicine.
Devalyn has been a member of the local FFA chapter for four years and is currently the VicePresident. While in FFA, she has raised many pigs for show and her families’ consumption.
Devalyn is active in Rodeo where she competes in barrel racing, goat tying and pole bending she
also rides cows. In the summer, she works for a local rancher as an irrigator changing hand lines
on alfalfa and grass hay fields; this is extremely hard labor and many days reach over 100 degrees.
With IAC’s assistance, Devalyn worked on a youth loan with USDA. She successfully purchased
two Duroc Swine to show at this springs’ Central Washington Junior Livestock Show. Devalyn’s
future plans are to attend college and become a part of Justin’s Sports Medicine Team. She
eventually wants to raise rodeo stock and become a Stock Contractor.
Mike Shellenberger says “Devalyn is truly a remarkable young lady and I believe she will achieve
any goal she puts her mind to, you wont find many kids willing to work as hard as she does”.
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 Blackfoot 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:
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Arapaho Business Committee
Blackfeet Tribal Business Council
Crow Tribal Council
Fort Belknap Community Council
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Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council
Shoshone Business Committee
Young Ranchers Lowering the Median Age and Bridging the Gap
In Montana, the median age for
ranchers is 57 year old. With the
support of a new FSA Farm Loan
Manager; the TA Networks’
Anita Matt is helping youth and
young families realize their dreams
with USDA and other programs.
Anita worked with the National
Tribal Development program
from 1999 – 2005 and averaged 815 youth loans each year on the
Flathead Reservation. The FSA
Youth
Loan
Program
has
competitive rates and a youth
borrower can borrow up to $5,000.
The Montana Department of
Agriculture offered $7,500 for youth and markets forced borrowers to use the Montana
Department of Agriculture loan program. Today, the FSA microloan program (loans up to
$35,000) is a promising platform to help younger people get started with ranching and farming.
The following is an example of successful ranchers bringing the median age down.
Madeline and Jason Netwig operate a ranch on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Starting with
10 head they wanted to purchase another 20 head and continue to operate near Charlo,
Montana. Their dream was to develop a home site and work with the Tribe to lease land for
their operation. In December 2012, they were successful in obtaining the financing needed to
purchase cattle. They worked with the Lake County Farm Loan Manager and obtained two
loans.
Inspired by the Netwigs’ motivation and participation; Anita nominated Madeline and Jason for
a scholarship to attend the Beginning Farmer Rancher symposium in Billings in 2012. They
were selected, attended the workshops and were subsequently selected to sit on the steering
committee representing young ranchers in Montana. The couple has been participating for 2
years.
Anita says “I am very excited to have been able to assist these young Native American Ranchers,
its important and satisfying work encouraging and helping young people in Agriculture.”
Brothers Share Grown-up Dreams
Kole, like Anita works with several youth in
the Browning area; encouraging them to
ranch and take part in programs designated
for youth to get started in ranching. Kolby
and Chance K., ages 14 and 10, are two
young brothers who saved up $500 to buy
some cows. Working with Kole their local
TA specialist, they took the initial steps to
reach their goals of becoming ranchers.
They have taken several steps towards
realizing their dream and have secured their
own brand. Success is more evident when a
person takes pride in their accomplishments
and this duo is no exception, they take great
pleasure and pride in marking everything
with their brand: fence posts, t-shirts etc.
They applied for and received a $5000
Youth Loan in late February to start their
venture. Kolby and Chance definitely have
what it takes to be successful and time is
definitely on their side.
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
2011. 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:
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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
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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
Breaking the Barriers to Self-Sufficiency
These success stories may seem small yet they are huge stride to get the Native American
community involved with the many USDA programs that could help with their Tribes and
individual operations. There has been so much distrust from the Native community and the
Federal government that it has sometimes hampered the success of Tribal operations. Zach
Butler has been breaking the barrier from the Native community and the USDA in parts of
Oklahoma.
A meeting with the Absentee Shawnee Tribal leadership in late 2011 and early 2012 kicked off
the efforts with a presentation on the services of the IAC and USDA and how to bridge the gap
between the two. From that meeting, the Tribal Agriculture program was created. Contact was
made with Pottawatomie County District Conservationist- Shawn Fleming; a meeting was set
with the Absentee Shawnee Tribal leadership and Realty department to get a conservation plan
in the works for the land that will be used in their cattle and farming operation.
A crew from the Absentee Shawnee leadership, realty representatives, NRCS, BIA, IAC and
wild land fire fighters conducted a prescribed burn on Tribal lands for the cattle and farming
operation. NRCS then started combing the lands and taking notes to help create the Tribal
conservation plan. The tribe now has an estimated 65 head of registered Black Angus cattle and
approximately 500 acres of Tribal and leased land for their operation. IAC continues to work
with the tribe as they develop the Agriculture and Conservation programs.
Since starting this position with the TA network, Zach has been able to help many Tribes and
producers. He has been encouraging his own family to look into the programs and especially
wanted to see his grandfather succeed as well. Zach wanted to help him with the 160 acres that
he has lived on his whole life. He would see him struggle with the different daily tasks and
challenges; well, fencing, and other aspects farm upkeep. Zach kept encouraging his grandfather
to no avail, his grandfather developed a distrust over the years and just did it on his own.
Several months later, Zach talked to the District conservationist for Lincoln County and he
learned that his grandfather had met with FSA and setup an appointment for a conservation plan
on his land. The fact that he was able to reach a person from another generation; a generation
that had another way of conducting business and have him ask what kind of help may be out
there to help him with his land and livestock was a success. His grandfather was so used of doing
the work on his own that he did not know how or where to ask for help. Zach’s own family
experience show the need to have these new voices bridge the divides and help create these new
relationships.
The success in the Southern Plains region has been slow but it is forthcoming. There are more
and more producers wanting information on loans and assistance. The people want to get back
into agriculture and taking into care of their own land once again. They are taking their lands out
of lease and starting to farm and ranch their lands themselves. With IAC’s assistance, they are
accessing the USDA system; creating conservation plans, accessing programs and seeking finance
options. The tide is changing, the reluctance shrinking.
Zach says: “I feel that I have made a good impression on the people in the Government
agencies, in Tribal Governments, and individuals -- I feel comfortable that we will be able to
accomplish some wonderful things in Oklahoma Indian Country”.
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:
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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
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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
We are the Trust Builders
Desbah collaborated with Lisa M. Garay, County Executive Director of USDA-Farm Service
Agency to facilitate a series of workshops to increase the Native participation in USDA/FSA
programs.
They traveled from July 2011 through November 2011 covering hundreds of miles from the
Pueblo of Isleta to the Twin Lakes Chapter; they met with hundreds of native producers sharing
the FSA programs. In just four of the counties they served, 321 producers received $429,846 in
the Livestock Forage Program which helped producers with feed costs due to the 2011 summer
drought as there was not very much pasture for the livestock to graze on.
Lisa Garay says:
“Desbah assisted our department immensely during our 2011 Livestock
Forage Program and Livestock Indemnity Program sign up. Without IAC’s and Desbah’s
assistance we would not have been able to reach as many of our Native American producers.” She
adds: “I am confident in saying that for the four counties I am responsible for during the 2011
sign up with Ms. Padilla’s help we gained at least a 70% increase of new producers especially
Native Americans participating in our programs.”
As part of the outreach sessions, producers received EQIP grants and several received FSA loans.
Gilbert L. applied for an FSA loan to purchase some needed equipment for his ranching
operation. He bought a stock trailer, flatbed trailer, squeeze chute, calf table and a scale to weigh
cows. He was so excited about the program, he told everyone he knew about it.
One of the people he inspired was 11 yr old Julian L., Gilbert’s nephew. Julian applied for and
received a Youth Loan and purchased three registered cattle to start his own operation. Julian
didn’t stop there, he went to school and shared his successes with his classmates and has set a
wonderful example for other youth that want to get started in Agriculture. It’s true you are never
too old or too young to pursue your dreams.
The initial meetings that were held built a solid foundation in which Desbah is proud of. She
returned to some of the areas in the winter of 2011 to answer questions from producers who were
invested in the claims process associated with the Keepseagle vs. Vilsack settlement. The Santo
Domingo Pueblo alone had 32 successful claimants. She returned in the Fall of 2012 when the
settlement checks were received by successful claimants to offer financial management workshops
and most recently she helped facilitate Keepseagle Tax Meetings to assist the successful
claimants with their filing questions.
Desbah says: “I love what I do! As a Technical Assistant Specialist, I have built amazing
relationships with the producers in my region. They will call on me first to see if there are any
new programs they can apply for and I am usually the first they call if they have any questions.
IAC has made a big impact with the producers, we are the trust builders.”
From: A-­‐dae Romero <[email protected]> Date: Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 1:52 PM Subject: Cochiti Farmers To: Zach Ducheneaux <[email protected]> Cc: Desbah Padilla <[email protected]> Hi Zach: I just wanted to let you know I contacted Desbah a few weeks ago because our traditional farmers in Cochiti wanted to know more about USDA Insurance programs. She got the two USDA people from New Mexico to come to Cochiti (which is way rural) to talk to our farmers! Of course, our farmers have a hard time understanding all the terminology-­‐ but she did it! We have been trying to get USDA to talk about insurance programs in Cochiti for forever! She gave us so many other possible presentations that the farmers were very interested in hearing. Thank you Desbah! Thank you IAC! Adae Executive Director Cochiti Youth Experience, Inc. Western Region
Steven Bond
served the Western Region from 2010 – 2013, he recently transferred to the
Eastern Oklahoma Region. Steven is serving as the Technical Assistance Specialist for both
regions until a replacement is hired in the Western Region.
The Western Region serves the following Tribes:
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Ak Chin Indian Community Council
Chemehuevi Tribal Council
Cocopah Tribal Council
Colorado River Tribal Council
Fort Mojave Tribal Council
Gila River Indian Community Council
Havasupai Tribal Council
Hopi Tribal Council
Hualapai Tribal Council
Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council
Quechan Tribal Council
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Salt
River
Pima-Maricopa
Indian
Community Council
San Carlos Tribal Council
Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians
Tohono O'odham Nation
Tonto Apache Tribal Council
Ute Indian Tribe
White Mountain Apache Tribal Council
Yavapai-Apache Community Council
Yavapai-Prescott Board of Directors
Hopi Perseverance
Terrance is a Hopi rancher, veteran of the Korean War and tribal leader living on the Hopi
Reservation. His family operates near the longest continually inhabited village in North America.
Like most Hopi, Terrance has been working with cattle since he was a small child as many
generations before him have relied on cattle for a sole source of income and food in a very remote
area.
When Steven first met Terrance he was in a bad way, operating during a drought that has
persisted for over a decade, with a pickup that was in disrepair, and without calves to sell to make
his FSA payment. He was unaware of the Livestock Forage Disaster Relief Program (LFRP)
and otherwise had only his social security as a source of income. Steven assisted Terrance in
completing LFRP to make his payment before servicing was needed. The following year,
drought persisted and another year of no calf crop left Terrance needing assistance from the IAC
to enter into Loan Servicing.
Fortunately, Terrance didn’t lose his cattle nor default on his loan. In fact he has now paid off
his operator loan from a good calf crop and overall speaks highly of USDA and the assistance
available to Hopi ranchers. Terrance’s story and success is especially important to the USDA as
he is also the first and only Hopi to ever receive an Operator Loan. With IAC’s assistance the
USDA Operator Loan, Loan Servicing, and the LFRP was put to their best use to facilitate a
Hopi rancher’s operation and see it through to success.
Navajo Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ken is a Navajo producer, small business entrepreneur, and Keepseagle recipient that recently
returned to his family’s land near the Tonalea, AZ area on the Navajo Reservation. Ken’s
community is in the Navajo Partition Lands, an area larger than the state of New Hampshire
where a moratorium known as the Bennett Freeze was placed on all development since the
1960s. May 8th 2009 President Obama signed a law repealing the Bennett Freeze and for the
first time in over four decades opened access to federal funding, including USDA programs.
The IAC Western Region assisted Ken in the Keepseagle application process and is helping him
access USDA programs to develop his cattle operation. When Ken got his Keepseagle check he
wanted to do something that was good for his community so he started a small business to
provide transportation for Navajos to and from health facilities. Ken’s small business now has
two full-time employees and provides transportation in a region that has had little to no job
growth nor services for over four decades.
Many Navajo in these communities have neither running water nor electricity and must travel
great distances to sell their cattle, wash their laundry, and haul water. The IAC will continue to
facilitate development and access to USDA programing for Ken’s community and the several
other communities adversely impacted by the Bennett Freeze.
Summary
The few stories represented herein have been chosen to represent the depth of the work currently
being done by The Network. They depict a fraction of the meaningful impact the Network has
had since it was created in November of 2011. The breadth of the work of the TA Network is
best demonstrated by the visits to over 200 different Reservations, resulting in over 1,000 face to
face meetings with Indian producers and Tribes, and providing assistance in securing over
$6,000,000 in FSA and other loans and over $2,500,000 in conservation contracts.
While it is good to recognize the success we’ve seen, it is also important to remember there are
still many challenges to address. If Indian Country were a consolidated block of land, it would be
the fourth largest state in the United States, larger than the State of Montana. The Network;
comprised of 13 people trying to provide services to 80,000 producers spread over 98 million
acres of land is a huge task.
The work that remains to be done is best represented by one final story, with no ending. A
Tribal Producer on the Cheyenne River Reservation sought the assistance of the local TA office.
He applied for an FSA loan to take a greater measure of control in his operation. Because of
FSA policy that often ignores the circumstance befalling Indian Producers, he was unsuccessful.
His credit worthiness was called into question, and he was disqualified before FSA officials could
examine his business plan, and discover that the additional productivity gained through the loan
would have helped to eliminate all of his other credit issues within the first year. This producer
took his last chance at help in building something of his own, and was rebuffed with little to no
meaningful explanation.
Because reservations often exist in credit deserts, areas where credit is not readily available at
favorable terms, there are no other options for a producer like this one and the many other
producers who are “non-banked”. Zach says: “The FSA should use every bit of latitude it has to
structure financial resources in a way that helps a producer earn a living,” he adds “using existing
authorities to help Indian producers build economically viable operations will help to improve
the conditions of their operations, their family and their communities over time.”
Even with the often-unused discretion the FSA possesses, there is still a sector of the
Reservation Agriculture Economy that goes unserved. The objective of the Intertribal
Agriculture Council through the TA Network is to ensure that Indian producers have improved
access to resources. If USDA and FSA can adopt a more holistic approach we can continue to
build success.
Through continued efforts of the TA Network, we can build success - - we can overcome the
unique problems created by credit deserts - - and through Perseverance, Patience, Persistence
and Trust, build a strong future together.
Staff Directory
Technical Assistance Network – www.iacTechHelp.com
PO Box 430, Eagle Butte SD 57625 - Phone: 605-964-8320
Zach Ducheneaux
Program Director
[email protected]
Jacie Schrempp
Program Assistant
[email protected]
Barbara Blake – Fairbanks, Alaska
[email protected]
907-888-9166
Anita Matt – Moiese, Montana
[email protected]
406-871-7074
Steven Bond – Stratford, Oklahoma
[email protected]
928-699-6774
Dave Monture – Kodiak, Alaska
[email protected]
907-942-5800
Zachary Butler, Meeker, Oklahoma
zbutler@ IndianAgLink.com
405-747-7665
Danielle Notah – Tohatchi, New Mexico
[email protected]
406-690-9597
Daniel Cornelius – Madison, Wisconsin
[email protected]
608-280-1267
Desbah Padilla – Albuquerque, New Mexico
[email protected]
505-377-0342
Kole Fitzpatrick – Browning, Montana
[email protected]
406-450-8704
Mike Shellenberger – Zillah, Washington
[email protected]
509-833-4937
Katherine Goodluck – Pendleton, Oregon
[email protected]
541-278-6811
Adam Schuchhardt – Eagle Butte, South Dakota
[email protected]
605-850-9234
Intertribal Agriculture Council – www.IndianAgLink.com
100 N. 27th Street, Billings MT 59101 - Phone: 406-259-3525
Ross Racine
Executive Director
[email protected]
Deb Cellmer
Accounting Assistant
[email protected]
Becky Standing Bear
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Donita Fischer
Public Relations Director
[email protected]