WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Tribal Relations has released the 2022 editions of its resource guides for American Indians and Alaska Natives and Native youth.
While nearly all USDA programs are accessible to tribes, tribal nations have unique legal and land statuses that make accessing some federal resources a challenge. The newly released guides are designed to be a relevant, easy-to-understand roadmap to USDA services available to tribal governments, citizens, and organizations. Both guides were developed in collaboration with AI/AN community members, according to a statement.
“USDA is committed to ensuring that tribal nations and communities more fully access and participate in USDA programs and services,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “These guides can introduce our tribal nation partners to the many USDA funding opportunities and resources that can benefit them and their communities.”
The USDA Resource Guide for American Indians and Alaska Natives summarizes USDA programs across four categories: agriculture, food sovereignty and traditional foods; Indian Country economic development; conservation and forestry; and research, extension and outreach.
The guide also covers information on the 17 agencies of the USDA, with organizational charts, boards and committees, outreach and technical assistance, departmental regulations, executive orders and laws, and grant opportunities.
The USDA Native Youth Resource Guide 2022 provides information to help Indigenous youth learn about the department’s programs and resources, including research, loan and scholarship opportunities, and summer camps and after-school programs.
According to the latest data from 2017, there are more than 79,198 Native American/Alaskan Native agriculture producers in the United States.
The guides and other resources can be found on the USDA Office of Tribal Relations USDA Programs and Services page.
