Sinte Gleska University (SGU), chartered by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in 1970 as the first Tribal college accredited at the four-year level, is helping the next generation of producers explore opportunities in agriculture through its Sicangu Lakota Youth Ranchers and Farmers Project. Grounded in Lakota teachings, elders’ knowledge, and hands-on time with SGU’s 27-year-old bison herd, the program pairs gardening, ranching, and farming skills with a strong access-to-capital component. In partnership with Native-serving Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), such as Tatanka Funds, Akiptan Inc., Oweesta, and the Lakota Fund, as well as SGU’s Business Education Department, youth gain financial literacy, build startup business plans, and meet with Tribal lenders to learn more about the industry and accessing capital. In doing so, the project reconnects youth to the land and traditional foodways while building the long-term capacity for agriculture.
© 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.