Attracting more than 500 participants since 2014, the Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit in Food and Agriculture exposes participants to the vast opportunities in Indigenous food and agriculture.
Applications for the 10th Indigenous Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, to be held July 15-23, are now being accepted on the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative website.
The annual Youth Summit brings participants from all over India to AA to spend a week creating lifelong memories and fostering the development of professional and academic skills. The program has impacted more than 500 Indigenous youth since its inception.
“We started the Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit in Food and Agriculture 10 years ago with the desire to provide Indigenous youth with the opportunity to explore the vast opportunities in food, agriculture and nutrition,” IFAI Secretary said Director Erin Parker. “Graduates of this program have gone on to establish professional careers, start businesses, and assume leadership roles within their communities in India’s food and agriculture sector. We are proud of all our past participants. IFAI is looking forward to the next 10 years of investing and equipping local young people looking to succeed. ”
Agricultural policy and production areas covered at the Youth Summit include agribusiness and finance, land management and conservation, agricultural law and policy, nutrition and health, and animal science.
“One of the ways we are celebrating our 10th anniversary is by adding a new field: animal science,” said Summer Wilkie, IFAI Next Generation Manager. “With five diverse tracks, participants can immerse themselves in their interests.”
Experiences include viewing tribal agricultural operations, interacting with other youth and industry professionals, and preparing a banquet featuring indigenous and local ingredients.
“Participants will work on a capstone project throughout the week,” Wilkie said. “Capstone is an opportunity to tie everything together through problem-based learning and apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations.”
Eligible applicants are American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian youth between the ages of 18 and 25, including recent high school seniors. All travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for successful applicants.
Applications close April 1st. Please apply at indigenousfoodandag.com.
About the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative: The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) promotes the health and well-being of tribal communities by promoting healthy food systems, diverse economic development, and cultural food traditions. IFAI provides strategic legal analysis, policy research, and educational resources to empower the Indian nation through food sovereignty, agriculture, and economic development. For more information, visit indigenousfoodandag.com.
