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,…
Feds Request Indian Country input on new Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks feedback from Indian Country on the Child Nutrition Tribal Pilot Projects Following on the heels of other successful pilot projects giving Tribes’ increased local control, the pilot will allow Tribal operations to...
IFAI Policy Brief January 21, 2025
Summary On Weds., Jan. 22, USDA FNS is holding a webinar to hear from Tribes on a new pilot project allowing Tribal administration of federal nutrition programs. The webinar starts at 3-3:45pm eastern, register here. IFAI has a comment template in process for Tribes...
In the News: Tulsa World Op-Ed
The Tulsa World recently published an op-ed by the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative's Executive Director, Carly Griffith Hotvedt. In the piece, Griffith Hotvedt highlights the important role food and agriculture play in Tribal sovereignty. Find an excerpt of...
IFAI Policy Brief January 14, 2025
Summary On Jan. 16, 2025, HHS and USDA will host a virtual session for those wanting to submit oral comments about the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Check out the IFAI briefing materials and draft comment template for Tribes...
IFAI’s Carly Griffith Hotvedt Named one of Tulsa World’s People to Watch in 2025
Tulsa World named IFAI's Executive Director, Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation), one of the People to Watch in 2025. The publication also released a feature story highlighting her role at IFAI, accomplishments, and service to Tribal food and agriculture. Read an...
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.
