Sinte Gleska University’s project is designed to expand and enhance Sunkawakan Oyate community outreach by offering youth engaging, year-round opportunities in equine and agricultural programs. To achieve this, the initiative will recruit horse handler coordinators and teen handlers to support a comprehensive equine program, including sponsoring at least four camps annually and organizing ten horse activity days in their communities. These activities will allow youth to learn about, connect with, groom, and ride horses. In addition to the equine program, the project will introduce youth to various ranching and farming tasks to spark interest in agriculture and environmental fields. Training will also be offered on creating and maintaining gardens, which can serve as a food source and a means of income. A community survey will assess the need for garden items, leading to establishing a community garden. To further support youth, the project will increase access to capital by providing financial literacy training and workshops. Partnerships with local tribal lenders will explore opportunities for starting agricultural businesses. Networking with organizations such as Tatanka Funds, Lakota Funds, and Akiptan CDFI will offer information and training on launching farms and ranches and accessing business loans. Additionally, two business start-up workshops will cover essential topics including business planning, legal requirements, and taxation.
© Native American Agriculture Fund 2018 
About Company
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers.
The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.