June 9, 2024 – June 29, 2024

In 2023, the NDSU American Indian Public Health Resource Center established the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Emerging Leaders Program (IFSELP) with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Tribal Relations.  

Since colonization, Indigenous peoples have suffered some of the worst health disparities in the nation due to systemic oppression, mistreatment, trauma, racism (including institutional racism), and lack of inclusiveness in policy decisions and research. This resulted in a loss of traditional diet and knowledge resulting in food insecurity, which has contributed to public health issues that continue today. IFSELP aims to expand current partnerships and collaborative efforts with Indigenous groups, including but not limited to, tribal organizations and institutions such as tribal colleges, tribal technical colleges, tribal community colleges, and tribal universities, to improve the delivery of culturally appropriate public health services and functions in Indigenous communities focusing on Indigenous Food Sovereignty.

What is IFSELP?

• The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Emerging Leaders Program (IFSELP) is a three-week on-site summer program dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous students from across the nation to pursue careers and fields of study in Indigenous Food Sovereignty.
• IFSELP will be held at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, in collaboration with tribal colleges, tribal universities, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty programs.
• IFSELP prioritizes the preservation of Indigenous food systems, traditions, and knowledge by offering an educational pathway for Indigenous students that promotes academic excellence through a cultural lens. Each student will identify and address an Indigenous Food Sovereignty-related challenge in their community and share what they learned at the end of the program
• Up to 25 Indigenous students ages 18-24 years old will be selected to participate in IFSELP.
• Students will receive a stipend for participation. All travel expenses, meals, and transportation for the three weeks will be covered at no expense to the students. Students will also be provided with room and board at the NDSU dorms to experience what is like to live in a university campus setting.

The 2024 Indigenous Food Sovereignty Emerging Leaders Program application is OPEN!

The application deadline has been extended to April 21, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST. All applicants will be notified on May 1, 2024.

APPLY HERE

IFSELP Q & A Webinar Recording

For more information, here is the link to the recording from the IFSELP Q & A Webinar hosted on March 28, 2024.

Webinar Recording