Native Food Sovereignty Fellow Program

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative is placing 20 AmeriCorps VISTA members (known as Native Food Sovereignty Fellows) in 13 Tribal Communities nationwide to include Tribes in Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, and Eastern Oklahoma. VISTA members work with the host site and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative to develop and implement capacity building food sovereignty projects, and a system of data metrics to measure project success.  

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor for Economic Development encompasses multi-disciplinary research, service, and education opportunities. The Initiative is the first of its kind nationally, with the following goals and objectives: To increase student enrollment in the land grant universities in food and agricultural related disciplines by supporting existing students and creating early pipeline programs for youth; to create new academic and executive education programs in food and agriculture, including law, policy, and tribal governance; to directly support Indian country by providing strategic planning and technical assistance, including research and publications in the following subject areas: Tribal Governance Infrastructure to Enhance Business and Economic Development Opportunities Financial Markets and Asset Management, including Banking, Risk Management, and Stewardship of Land and Natural Resources Health and Nutrition Policy for Tribal Community Wellness Intellectual Property Rights and Protection of Traditional Knowledge. 

AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full time for one-year terms.