Putting Tribal SovereigntyOur mission is to enhance the health and wellness of Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions.
WHAT’S NEW
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative joins UTulsa College of Law
TULSA, OK. – The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), a national leader in Tribal food and agriculture law and policy, has joined The University of Tulsa’s College of Law. Since its founding in 2013, IFAI has worked alongside Tribal governments,…
In the News: Fields of Possibility
In a recent feature by Fields of Possibility, Kelli Case (Chickasaw Nation), Senior Staff Attorney at the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), shared insights on the intersection of Tribal food sovereignty and organic agriculture. “We’re not just talking...
FRAC Summer EBT Report 2025
In the summer of 2024, the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations led impactful implementations of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program, a federal nutrition program designed to reduce food insecurity among children during the summer months when school...
In the News: Tulsa World
In a recent column for the Tulsa World, IFAI Executive Director Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation) highlighted the expanding economic footprint of Tribal Nations across Oklahoma. The piece underscored how Tribal governments are driving growth through strategic...
Policy Brief- August 4, 2025
Coming soon: IFAI will be releasing an analysis of the proposed USDA reorganization and its potential impact on Indian Country food systems and agricultural production.  USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is seeking public comments on the Special Milk Program for...
Rooted Wisdom, Season 2 Episode 6
Growing Potential: Voices from the 11th Annual Native Youth in Agriculture Summit Each summer, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) hosts a transformative event that brings together Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth from across...
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.
EVENT CALENDAR
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative participates in virutal and in-person events nationwide to ensure that Tribes and individual producers, regardless of their location, have access to the resources and support they need. IFAI participates in outreach events, youth events, food safety trainings, and Tribal enterprise outreach wherever we are needed. This calendar shows you where we are going and how we are impacting Indian Country.
Funding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list by clicking the button below.
Our Partners
Our work depends on the generous support we receive from the partners listed below.
