Faculty and staff from tribal colleges and universities were in Washington, D.C. earlier this week to learn about research opportunities, programs and services available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Four tribal college faculty members and one extension staff member visited USDA headquarters June 12-16 for the Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellowship, the agency reported June 12. The Tribal Fellowship "is part of USDA’s commitment to remove barriers to service for tribal nations, and encourage tribal economic development opportunities, workforce development, and tribal and national food security," USDA states in the news release.
During the Fellowship, the participants learned about USDA opportunities and received "intensive cross-training" with USDA program leaders on areas of collaboration, the release reports. The fellows were encouraged to "share their insights and experiences with students and colleagues in their communities" after returning home, according to the release. Select fellows, at a future date, will visit the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) research facility to "collaborate on research between the tribal colleges and USDA," the release states.
"The program aims to strengthen tribal college research capacity, introduce faculty to USDA programs and resources, and engage more tribal college students in agriculture-related career paths," USDA states in the release.
The USDA calls tribal universities and colleges "cultural, educational, and community cornerstones within tribal nations." Reservation communities receive educational, technical and career training at their place of higher education, according to the release. Research and extension services that improve local agriculture are supported by tribal colleges and universities, which also uphold and promote Native languages and cultural traditions, the release states. Currently, there are 36 federally recognized tribal colleges and universities designated as land-grant institutions.
“Tribal colleges are anchors in their communities, and these fellowships enhance the collaborations between tribal nations and USDA,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the news release. “Every day, USDA is striving to better serve tribal governments, citizens, and organizations and honor our nation’s trust and treaty responsibility.”
