Celebrating Agriculture Across Indian Country for Native American Heritage Month

“I do want to say it's great to see Tribes from across the country come together, with the same mission of trying to do better for

our communities and opening up the toolbox.

The Native Farm Bill Coalition really demonstrates that

despite all the obstacles.”

- Phil Rigdon, Yakama Nation

Across  100+ Tribes nationwide, the Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) celebrates the impact of members collectively advancing a common policy agenda.  American Indian and Alaska Native communities are leading the force to transform the future of agriculture every day. NFBC brings together Tribes, Intertribal groups, other Native organizations, and countless non-Native allies to ensure that Indian Country’s priorities are acknowledged and included in the decision-making process for the next Farm Bill. From farming and ranching to nutrition programs, rural development and forestry, the members keep Congress focused on Tribal concerns by developing priorities for the Farm Bill alongside the Coalition. 

After successfully helping to shape the 2018 Farm Bill, the Coalition has remained active by urging Congress to further expand its recognition of Tribal self-determination and authority. Advocacy for Indian Country drives our efforts to educate policymakers on Native nutritional and agricultural issues while ensuring Native voices are represented in assisting with oversight activities. With the next Farm Bill on the horizon, the Coalition will continue to advance Native policy priorities as Congress starts developing this critical legislation.

This Native American Heritage Month, we honor the profound contributions of Native people to agriculture and their leadership in driving successes on Capitol Hill. We give thanks to our ancestors who blazed the trail of advocacy, the Traditional Ecological Knowledge that has guided our relationship to food since time immemorial, and the healing that comes with returning the rightful stewards to the land.