The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Tribal Relations updated is resource guides for American Indians and Alaska Natives and native youth.
The 2022 USDA Resource Guide for American Indians and Alaska Natives and the 2022 USDA Native Youth Resource Guide will "serve as a roadmap of USDA resources and services available to Tribal governments, citizens and organizations," according to an Aug. 16 news release.
"USDA is committed to ensuring that Tribal nations and communities more fully access and participate in USDA programs and services,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in the release. “These guides can introduce our Tribal nation partners to the many USDA funding opportunities and resources that can benefit them and their communities.”
Because of the unique legal and land status of Tiibal nations, it can sometimes be challenging to access federal programs, the release reported. These guides will help detail grant opportunities and services, USDA agency roles and responsibilities, relevant policies, scholarship opportunities, internships, after-school activities and more.
"USDA has launched several new initiatives that expand USDA’s commitment to serving Indian Country through equitable policies and programs," the release said. "Demonstration projects at USDA’s Forest Service and Food and Nutrition Service are enabling greater Tribal self-governance and decision making on USDA nutrition and forest management programs. The USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative promotes traditional food ways, Indian Country food and agriculture markets and Indigenous health through foods tailored to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dietary needs."
