About Us
Meet Our Team
Erin Parker, J.D., LL.M.
Director
(479) 575-6572
esparker@uark.edu
Carly Hotvedt, J.D., M.P.A.
Associate Director
hotvedt@uark.edu
Cherokee Nation
Josiah Griffin
Program and Policy Specialist
(479) 575-5662
jwg012@uark.edu
Hawaiian/Samoan
Whitney Sawney
Communications Manager
and Program Specialist
(479) 575-5128
wsawney@uark.edu
Cherokee Nation
Brenton Jones
Budget and Grant Specialist
(479) 575-3227
baj005@uark.edu
Nikki Young
Administrative Assistant
(479) 575-5666
any007@uark.edu
What We Do
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) focuses on putting tribal sovereignty in food sovereignty, promoting tribally driven solutions to revitalize and advance traditional food systems and diversified economic development throughout Indian Country. IFAI provides Tribal governments, producers, and food businesses with educational resources, policy research, and strategic legal analysis as a foundation for building robust food economies.
Our work depends on the generous support we receive from the partners listed below.
