IFAI Launches Nationwide Roundtables Over Tribal Governance Guide

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – Late last year, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) released its new Tribal Governance Guide to Food and Agriculture, a comprehensive resource designed to serve as a one-stop-shop for Tribal governments seeking to navigate and invest in food systems development. The Tribal Governance Guide to Food and Agriculture provides Tribal leadership and staff with accessible tools, resources, and strategic guidance to strengthen Tribal food and agricultural systems.

The Guide helps Tribes identify and pursue opportunities that support sovereignty, economic development, and long-term sustainability within their food systems. As part of this initiative, IFAI is hosting Tribal Food Policy Roundtables across Indian Country to share the Governance Guide and engage directly with Tribal leaders, staff, and producers. What to Expect at a Tribal Food Policy Roundtable Each roundtable is tailored to the unique priorities and interests of the host Tribe. While discussions vary, roundtables generally include:

• An overview of the Tribal Governance Guide to Food and Agriculture
• In-depth discussions on tools and resources within the Guide most relevant to the host Tribe
• Open dialogue with Tribal leadership, Tribal staff, and Tribal producers
• Interactive question-and-answer opportunities
• Roundtables also provide an opportunity for IFAI to gather feedback from Tribal leadership, employees, and producers about on-the-ground experiences in Tribal food and agriculture. These conversations help IFAI better understand the current landscape, including the impacts of federal agricultural policy and potential indicators of a developing farm crisis in Tribal communities.

All roundtables are offered at no cost to the host Tribe. Tribal leadership and staff interested in hosting a Tribal Food Policy Roundtable are encouraged to reach out to IFAI to begin the conversation. IFAI’s team will coordinate directly with interested Tribes to customize the roundtable to meet their specific needs and goals.

For more information or to schedule a roundtable, Tribal representatives are invited to contact Senior Director of Strategy, Kelli Case at kellic@uark.edu