FALCON Poster Session

FALCON Poster Presentations 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011 Augusta

Student Section:

1. Title: Investigating Sources of Alternative Energy: predicting supply of woody biomass on the Flathead Indian Reservation Presenters: Nicole Stiffarm Institution/organization: Salish Kootenai College Abstract: Given the difficulties associated with non-local fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are appealing—especially if they are practical, stimulate local economy, and have less environmental/climate impact than fossil fuels. Woody biomass (i.e. logging waste and small diameter trees) is possibly such an energy source. This project proposes to estimate the sustainable supply of woody biomass on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Improved supply logistics will facilitate the creation of markets and investment of producers. Activities to accomplish these outcomes will focus on: 1) Evaluation of the current stock of woody fuel using: permanent forest growth plots, destructive sampling to directly measure & regress tree biomass, and empirical estimation through weighing chip-trucks at the sawmill; 2) Build a tool to project sustainable yield rates for these fuels; 3) Evaluation of treatment impacts on forest structure and wildfire risk; and 4) Development of tools for calculating the net impact of forest treatments and biofuel use on the carbon balance. The Salish Kootenai College and Tribal Forestry Department are excited to create a new partnership, tapping the forest biometrics expertise within the University of New Hampshire. This project will enhance student experiences by creating undergraduate research opportunities for two Tribal College students, and by providing internships with the local Tribal Forestry Department for an additional 3-4 students.

2. Title: Overview of Unregulated Water Usage and Sampling Presenters: Charlene Goodluck Institution/organization: Diné College Abstract: During the summer of 2011, I was accepted as an intern with the Dine Environmental Institute with Dine College in Shiprock, NM. The focus of our research was to obtain samples of the local areas natural water sources such as artesian wells, springs and surface water. The majority of the community and surrounding areas have cattle grazing openly. Also, because of no running water in certain areas, families are forced to haul water. This water is used for personal hygiene and cooking. The areas that were sampled have presently open uranium mines in addition to uranium tailings that have penetrated into water and soil, also unusually high levels of metal contamination readings in soil and water, in addition to E.coli and other bacterial contaminants in the water. As a service to the community, I helped in collecting samples to be

1 taken to the lab to be tested and analyzed with previous year’s data. The areas in which we collected samples were of the Northern agency. The areas under observation are that of Cove, Red Valley, Round Rock, Tsaile, Red Mesa, and Tsetah, Arizona. In addition, our group collected samples from Mitten Rock, Shiprock, and Little Water, New Mexico. Our research will commence once more in the summer of 2012.

3. Title: A DNA/PCR assessment of various Pinyon Pine of the Southwest and on Lands of the Navajo Reservation Presenters: Brandon Canyon Institution/organization: Diné College Abstract: Climate Change adversely affects Mother Earth and the cycles of life, which seem to transgress and regress at her will. The focus of DNA extraction and analysis of the variation of pinyon pine needles are to further the understand the progression, historical lineage, genetic makeup, and crossbreeding, in order to help sustain Mother Earth and to Walk in Beauty. Using the Navajo Philosophy of Sa’ah Naghai Bek’eh Hozhoon and intergrating it to the scientific method. The Navajo Philosophy is a never ending cycle that always strives for harmony and knowledge.

4. Title: Encouraging healthy eating through food preservation Presenters: Clara Azure Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: Hi my name is Clara Azure. I am currently attending Cankdeska Cikana Community College. I am currently working under the Land Grant program, with Food and Nutrition project. Some of my duties include preparing for workshops, assisting with our farmer markets, and helping the food and nutrition education specialist promote healthy eating. Having this job really motivated me to want to be more healthy, not only for my family and myself but also for the community. This summer I had the opportunity to work with the community by tilling gardens, distributing live plants and seeds, and offering gardening tips to help people get the most out of their gardens. These activities help us reach our objectives to “address health issues by promoting food access throughout the community.” In my poster I will be presenting my future plans on the food and nutrition education project. We plan to create a class on canning and food preservation, and with the finished products, we plan on sharing with the community. The produce we will be using will come from our community agriculture project. It is in cooperation within the Land Grant Program, that makes it possible for the Food and Nutrition project to meet its goal.

2 5. Title: Sealing of Abandoned Wells due to Arsenic Contamination Presenters: Dara Charboneau Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: My name is Dara Joy Charboneau, I am studying the sealing of abandoned water wells located on the Spirit Lake Nation. I am a research assistant in the 1994 Land Grant Program at Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten, ND. The C.C.C.C. Land Grant Program was established to produce educated graduates who are prepared to address the environmental issues that impact the reservation. Students in this program will be able to experience hands on learning and teaching techniques. A few activities the students have participated in have been: community gardening, farmers markets, landscaping the college campus and the construction of the college nature trail. Through the individual and community involvement with the Land Grant Program this has enhanced the community’s environmental education. The research I will be presenting addresses one of the current environmental issues impacting the reservation community. The water well systems have been undergoing dramatic changes underground. The Devils Lake rising has caused the ground water to rise, affecting the location of current water lines. The wells are sinking deeper into the ground, letting outside water sources leak into the drinking water supply. With that, the federal regulations on arsenic levels have been exceeded substantially. My research will explain the dangers on arsenic levels and how they affect humans who consume drastic amounts of contaminated drinking water.

6. Title: Investigating the contamination of ground water and hazardous waste. Presenters: Allen Longie Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: My name is Allen Longie. I’m a student in the natural resources program at Cankdeska Cikana Community College. This year I got the opportunity to be a research assistant to help address the environmental issues here on the Spirit Lake Nation. I am proud to be part of a program that enhances how the community uses land and natural resources sustainably in a culturally compatible manner that is consistent with the traditional philosophy and lifestyle of the Dakota Indian people. This past summer I worked with the program to help till community gardens, landscape around campus, and build a nature trial. This has had a big impact for myself to really see firsthand, how the college is promoting environmental education on the Spirit Lake Nation. I’m working on increasing my knowledge and use of geospatial technology and research methods to help address community issues. The research I will be presenting investigates the contamination of ground water from hazardous waste at dumpsites. Contamination is a problem, because the contamination is sinking down to the Spirit Lake Nation’s water source, affecting the drinking water. In my research, I am looking for answers to the question: What are the effects of ground water contamination on the local water, and how can the public become more aware of this issue? My goal is to share the results of my research with the Spirit Lake Nation’s public.

3 7. Title: Fish and fish habitat affected by the rising waters of the Devils Lake Basin Presenters: Tyson Running Bear Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: My name is Tyson Myles Running Bear from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Manitoba, Canada. I am studying fish and fish habitat in the Devils Lake Basin for my research assistantship at the land grant Program at Cankdeska Cikana Community College. I am pursuing my degree in Natural Resource Management. Cankdeska Cikana Community College is a 1994 land grant college, which is striving to produce students who are prepared to address the environmental issues. The land grant program believes in student research, community based gardening for community nutritional benefit through hands on learning. Cankdeska Cikana Community College strongly encourages enhancement through environmental education at the community and individual level. Future plans call for increased knowledge and use of geospatial technology and methods to address community issues. I am presenting my research on fish and fish habitat that are affected by the rising waters of the Devils Lake Basin. From past experience working closely within the fishing industry, I have seen fishing limits change. Roads and houses have been flooded and foundations were left behind to provide new fish habitat. I plan to take a closer look at what is the impact of the rising water on the fish and fishing on Devils Lake. Through the next two semesters, I will look at how flooded areas have disturbed and created new fish habitat and fishing opportunities.

8. Title: LCOOCC Extension Cultural Events Presenters: Jackie Bennett Institution/organization: Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College Abstract: Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College (LCOOCC) Extensions Department has great cultural events that go on throughout the year. These events are open to everyone who wants to learn a little more about the Ojibwe culture. These events are not only great for learning Ojibwe culture, they also get people together for a good time. Some of the events are great for getting people out and doing something fun and physical. So you’re not just sitting around the house watching T.V. LCO Extension’s goal is to get the LCO members and surrounding communities to embrace their culture, traditions and language.

9. Title: Research Student Concerning Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Presenters: Carla Miller Institution/organization: Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College Abstract: The overall project assists student research interest and community participation. The project gives students the opportunity to focus on research projects within the thematic direction of blueberries. Many people in the community are culturally sensitive to the survival of this precious plant. Being that blueberries are used in ceremonies, are a healthy-natural food, and have been the main staple of the Ojibwe people’s diet in the past. By focusing on scientific

4 education and given the opportunity to develop research skills as a student, I expect to enhance my understanding of scientific inquiry; as well as brining awareness to the community.

10. Title: Ecological and vegetative indicators of tuber biomass in Pediomelum esculentum on the Standing Rock Reservation Presenters: Audra Stonefish Institution/organization: Sitting Bull College Abstract: Prairie Turnips (Pediomenlum esculentum) have been a favored harvested plant by the Lakota people of North and South Dakota for many generations. This staple food is harvested each summer and is used throughout the year in soups and stews. Many people have strong feelings about the proper traditional method of harvesting the tuber and how to find the largest turnips. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to predetermine tuber biomass by examining above ground vegetative structure. If a relationship is determined, this study could reduce harvest time and possibly result in the development of new harvesting strategies. Five study sites were chosen. At each site one 3 m x 15 m plot was divided into four equal sections measuring 3 m X 3.75 m. In Section 1, every turnip within that section harvested and measured while the following 3 sections were harvested using different harvesting methods. In Section 2, half of the turnips were harvested, returning the canopy of the plant upright. In Section 3, half of the turnips were harvested, returning the canopy of the plant upside down. Section 4 was the control section, in which none of the turnips were harvested. Within each section, the canopy width, height and number of inflorescences were measured for all plants in this study and tubers were harvested according to the designated protocol. We harvested 153 tubers during this study. There was no correlation in any one-way analysis of factors in relation to tuber size. Thus, it is not possible to determine prairie turnip tuber size by examining canopy height, canopy width, or number of inflorescences. The second year of this study will determine if different harvesting methods result in greater turnip populations in the same plot.

11. Title: UTTC Nutrition and Foodservice Vocation Presenters: Allison Archambault Institution/organization: United Tribes Technical College Abstract: The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) Nutrition and Foodservice vocation offers a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences in healthful food preparation, food science, food safety, wellness and community nutrition. Students are advised to choose between two majors, either nutrition and wellness or food service/culinary arts depending on the student’s interest. Students are eligible to earn National ServSafe certification and can become credentialed as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM). The degree prepares students for employment in settings such as school lunch, WIC, diabetes and wellness programs hospital or elderly care foodservice, casino kitchens or private restaurants, as well as for transferring into programs of advanced training to become a dietitian or chef. The nutrition and wellness major is also available on-line at UTTC. Many American Indian people have health problems relating to poor nutrition and a lack of knowledge regarding food selection and preparation. By graduating from UTTC’s Nutrition

5 and Foodservice program, you will be a nutrition professional trained to make a positive impact on these health concerns and ultimately improve the health and balance of life for American Indian people.

12. Title: Survey of Wild Rice and Other Aquatic Vegetation of Lower Rice Lake Using Landsat Multispectral Analysis Presenters: Dianne Kier Institution/organization: White Earth Tribal and Community College Abstract: Wild rice (Zizania palustris L.) is a cultural and economic foundation of the White Earth Nation in northwestern Minnesota and is the dominate species of the Lower Rice Lake ecosystem. The colonization of other macrophyte species is of concern to the tribal community who rely upon the annual wild rice harvest. Using Landsat multispectral data and an unsupervised ISODATA classification method, five categories were identified on Lower Rice Lake. Using kayaks and GPS hand-held units, these categories were classified as the following: 1) wild rice (green), 2) open water (blue), 3) Yellow water lily (red), 4) cattail and 5) sphagnum bog. An overall accuracy assessment of the ISODATA method was 52.345%. According to the results, wild rice is the dominant vegetative species at Lower Rice Lake, but higher spatial imagery and a multi-temporal analysis are recommended for a more thorough assessment of the aquatic vegetation. The objective of this project is to identify wild rice stands and identify and distinguish the different types of aquatic vegetation found among the wild rice stands on Lower Rice Lake. What I would like to recommend from my research project is even though Wild Rice is the dominating species on Lower Rice Lake I would like to research why the Yellow water lilies and the Coontail are so dominate on the south end of Lower Rice Lake. Through my research I would like to find the answers to the following questions: How long have they been there? Is it a concern for our Wild Rice stands? Will they take over the lake and harm the Wild Rice stands? What can be done to save the wild rice stands from the water lily invasion?

13. Title: Lower Rice Lake the major wild rice-producing lake on the White Earth Reservation: Changes in water levels Presenters: Lainey Fineday Institution/organization: White Earth Tribal and Community College Abstract: Wild rice (Zizania Palustris L.) is an aquatic grass species that grows in the lakes and rivers of the White Earth Reservation in northwestern Minnesota. Concern from the tribal community, that fluctuating water levels in Lower Rice Lake may have detrimental effects on the wild rice crop, promulgated this investigation. Using historic maps and geospatial technology, an assessment of Lower Rice Lake was conducted to determine how the lake level perimeters have changed over a period of time. After digitizing historic maps of 1843, 1870 and 1929 of the region which lies within the reservation boundaries, it was discovered that Lower Rice Lake was missing from these historic maps, therefore the study relied upon data for a 25-year period (1985-2010). Results indicated minor changes in lake perimeter at the north and south end of the

6 study area, but the lake has maintained its current lake perimeters during this study period. It was determined that fluctuating water levels were not significant enough to detrimentally impact the wild rice crop on Lower Rice Lake. The objective of this project is to assess changes in water levels on Lower Rice Lake, a major wild rice-producing lake on the White Earth Reservation utilizing geo-spatial information from NASA images historical aerial photos and historical maps. Recommendations for future work include a study on the canal in the northeastern part of the lake and possible study on soil.

14. Title: Creating Soil Through Composting Presenters: Alvin Dahozy and Lindsey Deswood Institution/organization: Diné College Abstract: The composting project was introduced to the Land Grant Office in Spring 2008. Over the years we have been refining our methods to produce healthy compost that is used in the demonstration gardens and distributed to the community. Our main objective is to educate the community about the benefits of making their own homemade compost. We take advantage of every opportunity to educate the community on compost. By also attending soil workshops we are extending our knowledge on different methods and techniques of composting. Community members are always surprised when they learn how easy it is to make compost. Future plans at the Land Grant Office for composting will include data collection and determining the most efficient composting method.

15. Title: Soil characterization for Uranium Remediation Presenters: Elijuhua Martin Institution/organization: Diné College Abstract: Environmental contamination caused by radionuclides, specifically on uranium mining on the Navajo Reservation and its decay products is a serious problem worldwide. The development of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy has led to increasing nuclear waste in local mining area containing uranium being released and disposed into the environment. The objective of this exploration is to develop a better understanding of remediation (fixing) of contaminated water with Methylene blue (CEC indicator). Methylene blue possibility absorption of uranium onto clay pellets by cation exchange. The absorption is depending on the exchangeable cations of the clay material, on the pH and on the dye cation concentration. We have collected three types of soil sample from different locations in the Tsaile, Arizona area. Then we characterized the soil by pH value, fraction, texture and color of the soil. Once we have brought the sample back to the lab we grind a small amount of soil into power like form and weighed out several soils (.201g, .100g, .05g) for our methylene blue solution. Cation Exchange Capacity is a positive ion, Methylene blue acts like uranium and is also safer to use for laboratory work. Our main objective is to try to extract uranium with clay through the methylene blue absorbance test. Various concentrations occur with serial dilution, read absorption for each solution that is diluted. Then we use the standard curve to determine the concentration of our diluted solutions and work with the middle range.

7 This preliminary work we have observed the soil characteristics and concentrations, which effects on environmental and human health. The development of efficient and economic soil technologies is important for future remediation of all uranium mining sites. This project needs to be repeated with various amounts of soil and time. We would like to continue this protocol in the fall.

16. Title: Alternate Water Resource Project Presenters: Louie Thunderhawk Institution/organization: Sinte Gleska University Abstract: Having multiple, dependable water sources is crucial to land health for even distribution of land-use in range operations with grazing animals, which is a primary income source for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe (RST), as well as individual tribal land owners. Many range units leased to operators, as well as units used by the tribe’s own ranch operations, use the Little White River and its contributing tributaries as the primary water source for cattle and bison grazing purposes. Projections for vulnerability to climate change in the mid-west predict drought events in this area and increased severity and time displacement between major storm events. Coupled with these stresses on surface water, USGS ground water reports and RST Department of Water Resources ground water monitoring well reports show a steady lowering of the ground water table from the Ogallala Aquifer, a crucial source of water for livestock wells, irrigation and domestic use, as well as natural stream and creek feeds as alternate water sources for grazers. The objective of this project is to determine which aquifers interact with the RST stream and confined water resources, by developing a water resource profile of the RST Game, Fish and Parks Bison operation in Range-Unit (RU)-10, and to provide a preliminary proposed plan for pipe fed pasture taps using the Mni Wiconi waterline as an alternate water resource: by developing an implementation plan for primary and secondary taps associated with areas of increased stress due to the lowering aquifer levels during times of drought.

17. Title: Common Ground Gardens Presenters: Wilbur Wilkins Institution/organization: Little Priest Tribal College Abstract: Common Ground Gardens is a project of Little Priest Tribal College located in Winnebago, NE. Common Ground Gardens is a garden program and its goals include: teaching and learning different organic natural garden methods, growing organic, GMO-free and toxic pesticide free produce for the communities of northeast Nebraska. Activities include various horticulture related workshops, summer youth internships, Farmer’s markets, Lunch and Learns. Impacts and future plans include: helping the community learn how to live a healthier, organic, more sustainable lifestyle for the present and future. Our presentation is to show and exhibit our program.

8 Faculty/Institutional Section:

18. Title: Wiconi Ohitika (Strong Life) Youth Suicide Prevention Program Presenters: Antonette Halsey, Cora Whiteman, and Pat Conway Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: The Wiconi Ohitika (Strong Life) Suicide Prevention Project, funded by the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act through SAMHSA, is a community program, strengthened through its placement within Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC), where it takes advantage of many resources such as CCCC’s language and research programs. Wiconi Ohitika is a culturally enriched approach to youth suicide prevention, based on the culture, language, values and history of the Spirit Lake Dakota, promoting positive self-identity, increased self-esteem, and increased knowledge of the Dakota way of life. This workshop will focus on implementation of suicide prevention programming incorporating service to the community and youth ages 10-24 and research. The program’s objectives are: 1) Project implementation and community engagement; 2) Partnering with community middle and high schools to provide suicide prevention support; 3) Implementing suicide prevention training to the community, educators, and care providers; 4) Strengthening the community and increasing connectedness.; 5) Increasing awareness of suicide prevention strategies; and 6) Evaluating the project. Objectives are achieved through activities such as: 1) a community youth suicide prevention coalition; 2) referral of youth to services; 3) case management; 4) liaison with schools; 5) youth groups; 6) college level classes; 7) gatekeeper training; and 8) a surveillance system and process and outcome evaluation. The program impacts individuals, increasing their awareness and safety; families, through increased connectedness; and the community, through increased collaboration and a crisis response plan to prevent suicide. Having received another three years of funding, the program will continue community collaboration, training, and referral and follow up of at-risk youth. It is adding an evidence-based life skills course in the high school, to move more into primary prevention. The project will include an enhanced evaluation to determine the efficacy of the curriculum in this community. Culture will continue as the central theme throughout the program.

19. Title: Native American consumer perspectives: A study of household assets and the decision to purchase and consume local food products. Presenters: George Haynes1, Yvonneda Thompson2, Nancy Garcia3, and John Phillips4 Institution/organizations: 1Montana State University, 2Chief Dull Knife College, 3Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, 4FALCON Abstract: The research describes the local foods purchased and consumed in the tribal communities involved in the study. Secondly, it assesses the ability of household members to producer local foods now and their interest learning more about producing them. Thirdly, this study asks, what factors associated with household-defined assets can influence consumer decisions to purchase local food products? And finally, the study asks, what factors associated with household-defined

9 assets influence the household members’ interest in producing (gardening, preservation, and butchering) local foods. The research used quantitative survey questionnaire to collect data in two communities: a Native American community in the northwestern U.S., and a Native American community in the southwestern U.S. Preliminary results suggest that people with a higher level of education are more likely to know about the benefits of a healthy diet and associate a healthy diet with consuming locally produced foods. In addition, those people concerned about health issues and who have more positive health perceptions, are more likely to be concerned about a healthy diet and associate a healthy diet with consuming locally produced foods. If the intent is to maximize the consumption of locally produced foods, it would appear that educating people about the health benefits would yield the most substantial results. This study also suggests that both communities have the capacity to participate in the local foods market. While local consumption is an important factor, the opportunity to market local foods to a larger population is also important. Location is a critical factor for both communities. It would appear that the southwest pueblo has an excellent market available for its specialty products, blue corn and melons. The northwest reservation has a much more substantial challenge on two fronts; a large market is not easily accessible and they don’t produce local foods unique to the reservation. Their two most popular local foods, big game and choke cherries, are not domesticated foods; hence, they depend on traditional hunting and gathering rules on the reservation. Wild meat and choke cherries could be marketed with appropriate processing facilities on the reservation. In short, the costs of entering the local foods market will be more costly on the northwest reservation than on the southwest pueblo.

20. Title: Living Experience, Perspective, and Leadership through Indian Studies. Presenters: Jade Frier Institution/organization: Cankdeska Cikana Community College Abstract: My name is Jade Frier. I recently graduated from Cankdeska Cikana Community College, with my AS in Natural Resource Management, and my AA in Indian Studies. In September, I accepted a full-time position as the Community Agriculture Coordinator here at the college. This job was created through the USDA “Special Emphasis Extension Grant” entitled “Enhancing Community Assets through Agriculture.” My main duty is to develop and maintain the proper management of sustainable agricultural production in campus gardens and greenhouses. I also host educational tours, and workshops on campus, and oversee at least two part-time student interns. The objective of my poster will be to present the knowledge that I have gained through my education, and how I have been using traditional and modern knowledge to be successful with our gardening and preservation of foods. The program also puts on a farmers market as much as possible one of my goals is to start getting the community more involved when we have our markets. I am also going to work on a plan that will help me increase the produce in our gardens allowing us to distribute more fresh produce to the CCCC students, food pantry, and the college daycare. I want to give back to the community through sustainable agriculture and bring old methods together with new ones; I believe that by bringing fresh produce to the community it

10 will be a stepping stone to eventually succeeding in the rest of my goals I have set for the program.

21. Title: Financially Fit Program (PEER Educators) Presenters: Stephanie Garcia, Sheryl Yazzie, and Tara Brown Institution/organization: Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute Abstract: The “Financially Fit” is an expansion of financial education activities that have been conducted for the past seven years under the auspices of the Family Extension and Education Program (FEEP) at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). The program addresses not only the financial education needs of college students, but also those of community members in surrounding tribal communities. The program is driven by the following three goals: Goal 1: To develop and implement a replicable mandatory 3 hour workshop curriculum for students receiving financial aid at SIPI. Goal 2: To continue to develop and expand delivery of financial education workshops to students and members of tribal communities in the areas of personal financial management, asset development, taxes, identity theft, car purchase, credit cards, high interest loans, banking services, and entrepreneurialism. Goal 3: To train a cadre of peer educators who will be able to present workshops on financial education and serve as resources in this area. Activities involved in Financially Fit will be the collaborative effort of the students, community members, peer educators, and the Extension staff. Although the basic financial information will be at the core of each workshop and activity, the format may change. Focus groups, evaluation sheets and formal and informal interviews will provide input necessary for planning. Peer educators will go through a training period on basic personal financial management. The training will include field trip to the bank and learning about banking services. They will also have practices in presentation skills. They will continue their training by assisting in all activities of the program. As their skills develop, they will take over the program. Peer educators will present weekly in the Academic Support Center, in classrooms, and in the dorms. They will develop materials that are appealing to their peers and will be available to direct students to resources as needed. One primary goal of the peer education component is the empowerment of young Native American/Alaska Native people. They are the future of their communities and knowledge is power!

22. Title: Tribal College Land-Grant Leadership Development Initiative Presenters: Vanessa Cooper1, Brian Kowalkowski2, Benita Litson3, and Carrie Schumacher4 Institution/organization: 1Northwest Indian College, 2College of Menominee Nation, 3Diné College, 4Fort Peck Community College Abstract: Tribal college and university (TCU) land grant administrators, directors, faculty and staff generally experience high levels of turnover, which hamper effective programming and limit institutional capacity building. Previously, no professional and/or leadership development programs existed specifically for mid-career TCU land grant professionals. To address this need,

11 the TCUs have partnered with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and LEAD- 21, a highly-regarded national land-grant leadership development program (see: http://www.lead-21.org/program.html), to support a cohort of TCU land-grant participants in a one-year leadership development program. The Tribal College Land-Grant Leadership Development Initiative employs a unique leadership development model that includes a 12-month leadership development program, a cohort of mid-career Tribal College professionals, mentoring with nationally recognized Tribal College land-grant directors, seamless integration with the LEAD-21 leadership development program, Tribal college specific curriculum, and individual technical support. The LEAD-21 program is a nationally recognized leadership development program for the land-grant system & its strategic partners. The program seeks to enhance application of skills and knowledge learned in five core leadership competencies; develop a peer leadership network to enhance personal leadership practice, collaboration, and diversity of perspective; and develop and implement an individual leadership development process. It includes three face-to-face sessions, with inter-session development work, over a ten-month timeframe.