A New Beginning
The success of the Intertribal Agriculture Council network of engaged, informed youth leaders is something we take great pride in. The youth-led, youth taught movement’s premiere opportunity, the annual IAC Essay Contest, is exclusively for native youth currently enrolled in high school.
The network of youth has grown exponentially and the past few years have created a surge of high school graduates, higher education students, and active career professionals that want to stay engaged in IAC programming. In response, a cadre of “IAC Young Professionals” were chosen to attend and present at the 32nd Annual Intertribal Agriculture Council Membership Meeting. This group of young adults submitted letters of intent and were chosen, by a panel of their peers. The 2018 IAC Annual Meeting and Youth Conference was the largest, well-rounded and innovative conference to date we launched A New Beginning for Indian Agriculture.
Professional Development Program
IAC’s new beginning is sparking groundbreaking partnerships. One uniquely designed to reach historically underserved communities of Indian Country, is underway to bolster efforts in land resource productivity and food systems. This unique collaboration inspires support from national players in agriculture, like the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Farm to School Network, and University of Arkansas. The project builds upon the next chapter in expanding the IAC’s youth programming; enhancing existing youth programming and professional development opportunities for Native high school and college students, centered in the realm of Indian agriculture, natural resources, food systems, and community development. As we enter into this expansion phase, we challenge you to join us! Connect with our staff to learn how we will be funding apprenticeships starting in the Fall 2019, designed specifically to train the next generation of Tribal Professionals. Interested in hosting an IAC apprentice within your community? The IAC has an extensive network of more than 650 youth across the country that are ready and able to step into leadership.
For more information, contact: Kari Jo Lawrence Director of Programs kari@indianaglink.com