Member Spotlight: Why IAC Membership Matters for Tribal Agriculture
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When Marvin Pinnecoose talks about agriculture, he’s talking about more than crops or cattle—he’s talking about culture, tradition, pride, and family. As Chairman for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in southwest Colorado, he sees agriculture as a way to stay grounded and self-sufficient in a world built on convenience. “We live in an instant gratification kind of world,” he says.
“Agriculture forces you to slow down, to get your hands in the dirt. There's gratitude in that.” —Marvin Pinnecoose, Chairman, Southern Ute Indian Tribe
But he’s also quick to acknowledge the challenges. “You can put in a whole year of work and lose everything in one rainstorm,” he says. Yet for those who push through, “It’s a very important path.”
Across Indian Country, Tribes are exercising their sovereignty by strengthening food systems. The pandemic revealed just how vulnerable communities were. “We need to be able to utilize our own stocks—buffalo, cattle, goats, sheep—without having to get in line at Walmart 50 miles away,” Marvin says.
That’s why Marvin believes membership in organizations like the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) is critical. “We need a unified voice,” he says. “Tribes can’t be on the back burner anymore.” His first IAC conference was eye-opening, with only three of the 24 Tribes in his region participating. “Three Tribes shouldn’t speak for 24,” he says. After returning home, he drafted a letter inviting neighboring Tribes to get involved.
Membership, he emphasizes, is about more than sending delegates. It’s about asking: What issues will define the next generation? Marvin’s advice is simple: show up, participate, and lead. “You don’t have to be an elected leader to lead,” he says.
For him, IAC is the foundation of a larger fight. “This is the foundation for the front fight we’re going to have to have as Native America,” he says.
“To keep what little we have left. What holds us together is our culture, our tradition, our pride, and our family. If we cling to that—we're unstoppable."
Become A Member
Intertribal Agriculture Council’s organizational structure positions federally recognized Tribes to inform agricultural policy and USDA program implementation to advance and rebuild Tribal food systems.
Membership of any type entitles members to engage in Annual Conference caucuses, where members can raise regional issues, contribute to policy discussions, and support the development of actionable items brought forward by voting delegates for broader consideration.
Member Tribes help inform agricultural policy priorities through participation in advocacy processes that reflect Tribal perspectives at both regional and national levels.
The membership year for 2026-2027 runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. To be in or maintain good standing, dues should be sent no later than September 30th, 2026. Following that date, dues will still be accepted to join or renew for the 2026-2027 membership year.
STEPS FOR NEW MEMBERS | STEPS TO RENEW MEMBERSHIP |
A. Submit Membership Application:
B. Include Delegate Information:
* A template document can be found online or in the 2026 Membership Packet. C. Pay Membership Dues:
| A. Update Delegate Information:
* A template document can be found online or in the 2026 Membership Packet. B. Pay Membership Dues:
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