U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of actions by the USDA to enhance Tribal sovereignty and partner with Tribal Nations to create a more resilient food system. These initiatives, announced at the National Congress of American Indians 2024 Mid Year Convention, include over $42 million in grants under the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program, $18 million for Tribal Forest Protection Act projects, and $2.3 million to support the inclusion of Indigenous foods in school meal programs.

Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grants

USDA is awarding $42.5 million in grants to eight Tribal Nations to expand processing opportunities using both modern and traditional methods for animals native to North America, such as bison, reindeer, and salmon. Examples of grant recipients include:

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in North Carolina will receive $6.5 million to build a processing center for animals raised and hunted by its members. This facility will help create a Tribally owned brand of fish and meat, including rainbow trout and bison, with portions donated to community members in need.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine will use a $4.3 million grant to build an aquaculture facility for North American eel, processed into Japanese delicacies like kabayaki.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will utilize a $4.8 million grant to build a buffalo meat processing facility to distribute meat sustainably harvested according to their traditions.

Tribal Forest Protection Act

Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, USDA’s Forest Service is investing $18 million in 23 projects under the Tribal Forest Protection Act. These projects focus on hazardous fuels risk reduction and watershed restoration. Examples include:

The Keex’Kwaan Community Forest Partnership in Alaska aims to restore forest access, promote climate resilience, and enhance food security through cooperative work between the Organized Village of Kake and the Forest Service.

The Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program will work with Tribal forest crews in several national forests to improve natural resource health and resilience.

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest collaboration focuses on improving wild rice habitat to support Tribal food sovereignty.

Indigenous Foods in School Meal Programs

USDA will award $2.3 million in grants to five organizations to support child nutrition programs incorporating more Indigenous foods. Examples include:

The Center for Popular Research, Education and Policy (C-PREP) will support four school districts on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, providing access to traditional Indigenous foods.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will expand efforts to school districts in Hawaii, offering training and technical assistance to native food producers and school nutrition staff.

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will educate school nutrition staff across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan on Indigenous food procurement and preparation.

USDA 2024 Class of Tribal Policy Interns

USDA has launched a new program welcoming 14 interns focused on Tribal agriculture and food sovereignty. Sponsored by USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations, the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program will engage students in USDA agriculture, food, and nutrition programs that benefit Indian Country.

First-Ever Trade Mission on Indigenous and Tribal Nation Products

From June 17-20, USDA will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Canada, showcasing Tribal and Native Hawaiian products to prospective buyers. This historic mission, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, includes 15 Tribal agribusinesses and 13 Tribal Nation agricultural leaders.

These initiatives reflect USDA’s commitment to working with Tribal Nations to promote prosperity, dignity, and a resilient food system.