Putting Tribal Sovereignty
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and National Association of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations to Host Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus Ahead of USDA FDPIR Consultation
June 16, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central Time
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), in partnership with the National Association of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (NAFDPIR) will host a Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus on June 16, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The caucus will provide Tribal Leaders and their designated staff or proxies with an opportunity to prepare for and engage in discussions related to the upcoming USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) consultation.
During the caucus, IFAI will provide policy updates and background on consultation topics included in USDA’s Dear Tribal Leader letter:
- Program administration and policy updates impacting FDPIR operations
- Food package availability, procurement challenges, and vendor stability
- Funding levels, administrative cost considerations, and long-term program sustainability
- Integration of local and Indigenous food systems, including support for Tribal producers
- Technology systems, reporting requirements, and operational efficiencies
- Proposed changes or restructuring within the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that may impact FDPIR delivery
- Veterans’ disability payment exclusion
The caucus is intended to support Tribal Leaders in advancing priorities and concerns related to FDPIR and ensuring meaningful engagement during the federal consultation process.
Registration Information
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central Time
Please note that this caucus is open only to Tribal Leaders and their staff and/or proxies. The event
IFAI and NAFDPIR look forward to welcoming participants and facilitating an important discussion on the future of FDPIR and Tribal food sovereignty priorities.