Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango, Colorado, is a 501(c)(3) Native American-serving, non-tribal institution dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to Native American students. Situated near several tribal lands, including the Southern Ute, Mountain Ute, and Navajo Nation, FLC supports a diverse community of Native American students, who made up 39% of its student body in the fall of 2023. The college offers several specialized programs in agriculture and environmental studies, including the Regenerative Food Systems Certificate and the Farmer-in-Training Program, both of which emphasize sustainable farming practices and food sovereignty.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) has provided funding for FLC to support Native students and producers from various tribes nationwide. FLC’s new project, funded by the NAAF, focuses on hands-on agricultural training exclusively for Native producers and aims to launch a long-term land access project to prioritize land access for Native producers. The initiative will include infrastructure improvements, such as building a pond and a water delivery system, as part of the first two phases of the project. Additionally, FLC is developing mentorship programs and offering paid internships to Native students to provide them with training in regenerative food systems.
To further support Native producers, the Farmer-in-Training program at FLC’s Old Fort offers agricultural training opportunities and access to resources like land, water, and mentorship. This program has already helped launch 25 farm businesses since 2011 and is designed to accommodate the growing conditions common in many Native American communities. As part of its ongoing efforts, FLC also collaborates with organizations such as the Southwest Equitable Land Access Collaborative to develop alternative land access strategies and promote equitable opportunities for Native producers.
Overall, Fort Lewis College leverages NAAF funding to advance its commitment to serving Native communities through education, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced land access. The college’s comprehensive approach includes practical training programs, infrastructure development, and partnerships that aim to support the agricultural aspirations and economic well-being of Native producers across the region.
