Listeners will gain greater insight into the successes and resilience involved in building Indigenous communal webs within the University of Arkansas – as well as the challenges Native students, staff, and faculty face in PWI settings.

Listeners will hear about the joys and challenges of starting a farm from scratch, the importance of respecting the land and its rhythms, and how farming can be a powerful form of activism.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning from academia to agriculture
• Indigenous approaches to land stewardship
• Building community through farming
• Symbiotic relationships in nature and on the farm
• Farming as cultural preservation and creative problem-solving

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re curious about sustainable farming, Indigenous knowledge systems, or simply love a good story about resilience and growth, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded.

🧠 Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, host Tish Mindemann sits down with Dr. Browning Neddeau, an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and professor at Chico State University, to explore the intersection of Native American imagery, agricultural crate labels, and public perception. Dr. Neddeau shares his personal journey, research insights, and the cultural implications of how Indigenous peoples have been portrayed in agricultural art over time.

🧾 What You’ll Learn

• The history and evolution of agricultural crate labels from the 1880s to today.
• How Native imagery has been used—and often misused—on food packaging.
• The impact of these visuals on societal understandings of Native identity.
• Why representation matters in art, agriculture, and cultural history.
• The story behind iconic labels like Land O'Lakes and their transformation.
• How Dr. Neddeau’s research contributes to material culture studies and educational awareness.

🧑‍🏫 About the Guest

Dr. Browning Neddeau is an associate professor of Elementary Teacher Education and American Indian Studies at California State University, Chico. He serves on the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education. His research focuses on Native American representation in agricultural art, particularly crate labels, and how these images shape cultural narratives.

🖼️ Key Topics Covered

• The four eras of crate label art: Naturalistic, Advertising, Commercial, and Modern.
• The persistence of outdated imagery and its cultural consequences.
• The role of gendered depictions in Native imagery.
• The importance of tribal specificity and avoiding generalizations.
• How collecting and curating crate labels can be a form of storytelling and cultural reflection.

📚 Resources & Links

• Learn more about Dr. Neddeau’s work and research collections.
• Explore the Intertribal Agricultural Council for Native-owned agricultural products.
• Support IFAI and its mission to promote Indigenous food and agriculture initiatives.

🛒 Takeaway Challenge

Next time you're at the grocery store or farmer’s market, take a closer look at the labels. What stories are they telling? What histories are they preserving—or erasing?

Host: Tish Mindemann

Duration: ~32 minutes

Release Date: 8/14/2025

🔍 Episode Summary

In this compelling episode, host Tish Mindemann speaks with Skya Ducheneaux, a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation and Executive Director of Akiptan, a Native-led agricultural CDFI. Skya shares her journey from ranching to finance, and how Akiptan is reshaping access to capital in Indian Country. The conversation dives deep into the systemic barriers tribal citizens face, the unique role of CDFIs, and Akiptan’s innovative approaches to lending, education, and succession planning.

💡 Topics Covered

• What is a CDFI and how it differs from traditional banks
• The cultural and systemic barriers to capital access in Indian Country
• Akiptan’s philosophy: “Built by producers, for producers”
• The importance of sweat equity and character in lending decisions
• Trust land, leasing, and the myth of un-mortgageable Native land
• The Monopoly metaphor: understanding economic disparity
• Akiptan’s impact metrics and redefining success
• The Yuwinyeya Grant: succession planning as a tool for generational wealth

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Akiptan Website
• Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)
• Reimagining Native Food Economies Report
• Four Bands Community Fund
• USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
• Bureau of Indian Affairs – Trust Land Mortgage Info

You’ll hear from a powerful lineup of guests and participants who are shaping the future of Indigenous agriculture:

• Dr. Janeal Yancy from the University of Arkansas shares her expertise on small and large ruminants and how they are used in agricultural research and education.
• Teresa Jackson and Tiffany Grant from Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP) discuss their summit track focused on health and nutrition—highlighting how these areas are foundational to food systems and community well-being.
• Trenton Kissee, Chris Azbell, Courtney Natseway, and Anna Sterner of the Muscogee Nation reflect on their roles in supporting Native youth and building sustainable food systems rooted in sovereignty and tradition.
• And of course, we hear directly from summit participants, who share their personal journeys, insights, and the impact of this transformative experience.

Theme of the Year: Grow Your Potential — a call to action for Native youth to embrace leadership, understand agricultural risk, and build a future rooted in knowledge and community.

What You’ll Learn:

• The role of livestock in agricultural education and research
• How nutrition and health intersect with food sovereignty
• The importance of culturally relevant education and intertribal collaboration

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Youth Summit and IFAI’s youth programs: indigenousfoodandag.com/youth-programs
• Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP): oktep.com
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation: muscogeenation.com

For more information about Makocee or to reach out to them visit their website: https://makoceag.org/

For more information on the roundtable discussions mentioned in the episode email

katherine@indianag.org or amelia@indianag.org

Dr. Clark - 479-957-4245

USDA - 866-536-7593

Arkansas Poultry Disease Hotline - 501-823-1746

Backyard and Hobby Poultry in Arkansas Online Course

RESOURCES

farmstress.org

FARM AID 1-800-FARMAID (327-6843)

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 or Text HOME to 741741

Iowa Concern Hotline 1-800-447-1985

Farm Angel Network https://www.farmerangelnetwork.com/

In this episode, we dive into the vital topic of rural development in Indian Country. Join host Tish Mindemann as she speaks with Carly Griffith Hotvedt, Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Carly shares insights on how Tribal nations are investing in rural America through food and agriculture, benefiting both Native and non-Native communities.

Key topics include:

• The impact of tribal investments in rural infrastructure and food systems
• Opportunities for rural businesses and entrepreneurs through grants and credit access
• The role of Native Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs)
• The ripple effects of Tribal investments on regional food systems and economic development
• Lessons learned from the pandemic and the importance of local food systems
• Upcoming opportunities in the new Farm Bill for rural development

Tune in to learn how these initiatives are fostering growth, resilience, and sustainability in rural areas. 🌾✨

Podcast Summary: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: The Vital Role of Tribal Food and Agriculture

In this special episode of "Rooted Wisdom," we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by exploring the significant contributions of tribal food and agriculture. Hosted by Mary Belle Zook, Communications Director at the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), the episode features insightful conversations with Carly Griffith Hotvedt, Executive Director of IFAI, and Kelli Case, Senior Staff Attorney at IFAI.

Carly emphasizes the crucial link between tribal sovereignty and food sovereignty, stating, "We can't be truly sovereign unless we can feed our own people." This episode delves into the diverse agricultural practices across different tribes, highlighting how each community tailors its food systems to its unique needs and traditions.

Listeners will learn about the global impact of Indigenous agriculture, with many staple foods like corn, beans, and potatoes having origins in Indigenous practices. The episode also addresses the exploitation of Indigenous knowledge, particularly in the realm of medicinal plants.

The discussion underscores the resilience and innovation of tribal agriculture, especially in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Tribes are making significant investments in infrastructure to ensure food security and sovereignty, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting the health and well-being of future generations.

Tune in to discover how you can support Native food producers, learn about Indigenous agricultural practices, and celebrate the rich traditions of tribal food and agriculture this Native American Heritage Month.

As part of the University of Arkansas School of Law, IFAI also helps meet the needs of Tribal students across the university through the Native American Student Services. NASS offers academic support, internships, cultural programming, and helps Native students foster a sense of belonging and success. 

Don't miss out on this insightful episode and learn more about the initiatives that empower students to thrive both academically and culturally. 

Join us as we delve into the Agricultural Financial, Tax, and Asset Protection program at the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative. This episode features the expertise of Kristiana Coutu, Director of Policy, Research, and Governance, and Kelly Nuckols, Assistant Director and Visiting Assistant Professor of Law for the LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law at the University of Arkansas.

🌾 Discover essential strategies for managing financial resources, navigating tax complexities, and safeguarding assets within Indigenous agricultural enterprises. Learn how these critical areas support and strengthen Tribal agriculture, empowering Native farmers and ranchers to thrive.

Don't miss this compelling discussion on the financial strategies and legal frameworks that are shaping the future of Indigenous agriculture.

Our special guest, Carly Griffith Hotvedt, Interim Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, brings her expertise and unique perspective as a member of the Oklahoma FSA state board. Carly sheds light on the myriad ways the FSA can support Tribal producers, from providing essential resources, technical assistance, and financial support to facilitating conservation initiatives and disaster assistance.

Throughout the episode, we unpack the opportunities for Indian Country to engage with the FSA election process, amplifying Tribal priorities and fostering a more sustainable and vibrant future for Native American agriculture. Whether you're a Tribal producer, policymaker, Tribal leader, or an enthusiast of Indigenous agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Join us as we celebrate resilience, explore innovative agricultural practices, and illuminate pathways to a thriving future for Indian Country.

Edited by Arvcuken Noquisi

Whether you're a Tribal producer, policymaker, Tribal leader, or simply curious about Indigenous agriculture, this episode is packed with insights on how the FSA elections can amplify Tribal priorities and foster a sustainable future for Indian Country.

Tune in and get ready to explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous agriculture, celebrate resilience, and discover new pathways for growth. 🌾✨

Editing by Arvcuken Noquisi

Join us as we explore the Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code alongside Erin Parker, Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, and Dr. Hayman, Osage Nation's Secretary of Natural Resources. 🌾

👉 Tune in to uncover the significance, intricacies, and profound impact of this essential code in preserving age-old farming methods, advancing sustainable agriculture practices, and fostering economic growth within Native communities.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion shedding light on a cornerstone of Tribal agriculture!

Rooted Wisdom is edited by Arvcuken Noquisi

🌱 In the upcoming episode of "Rooted Wisdom: Exploring Tribal Agriculture," we're diving deep into the Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code.

🌾 Join us as we sit down with Erin Parker, Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, and Dr. Hayman, Tribal Citizen of the Osage Nation and Osage Nation Secretary of Natural Resource, to explore:

✅ The significance of the Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code

✅ Its role in preserving traditional farming methods

✅ Promoting sustainable agriculture and economic development within Native communities

Don't miss this insightful discussion that sheds light on a pivotal framework shaping food sovereignty and governance in Indigenous communities.

🔜 Stay tuned for the full episode and continue to explore the incredible world of Tribal agriculture with us on "Rooted Wisdom!"

Rooted Wisdom is edited by Arvcken Noquisi

Join our insightful conversations with producer Meagen Baldy and Erin Parker, Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, as we uncover the importance of accurate data in shaping policies and educating about Indigenous agriculture. 🌾

👉 Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that highlights the challenges and significance of the Agricultural Census for Native communities.

🔜 Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll explore the Model Tribal Food and Agriculture Code!

Huge shout out to our producer/editor Arvcuken Noquisi.