Progress 08/15/17 to 08/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Our intended outcomes include: increased involvement by tribal youth in social, economic and cultural activities; increased participation by farmers/ranchers in efforts directed at expanding and retaining family and property assets; expansion of food sovereignty activities through the implementation of existing resources at community gardens; maintenance of scheduled nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention/management curricula; increased opportunities for financial literacy training; and integration of community development efforts directed at the preservation of family survival within the culture. In addition to measurable and quantifiable outcome benchmarks, we prefer to also frame the measurement of our impacts on both the reliable linkages formed by partnerships, as well as the individual growth of the people. As our participants gain selfsustaining skills, so then does the program build its own sustainability through valuable sharing and reliance on other tribal programs and resources. Often, programs will only measure their impacts in a linear model of evaluation. However, we at FB choose to also view impact profile as a circle of interconnected relationships, both with people and programming. We are optimistic about our future, as we continue to build a framework of long-lasting, research-based knowledge and skills. In the true spirit of healthy, self-sufficient lifestyles, grounded in Extension programming and the efforts of the FRTEP agents, the Fort Belknap Reservation can look forward to a more stable and progressive future. The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Fort Belknap tribal residents will build upon their self-reliance knowledge to increase independence and internal capacity building to develop a community of healthy youth, families, elders, and producers working to conserve their native territories' natural resources with the guidance of MSU Extension's unbiased, research-based information. Extension provides tribal community members hands-on, informal educational opportunities they would not otherwise have access to due to the rural location in North Central Montana. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 Pandemic has created obstacles to carry out our FRTEP goals. The Fort Belknap Extension Office is exploring different avenues to reach and teach our clients. We are researching different technology venues to host meetings, classes, and distribute information. Our goals will change and adapt to the needs of our clientele and the ability for all to stay safe. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?• IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV • MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT • MSU Extension FCS Annual Meeting • Reimaging Rural Trainings • Well Connected Communities Trainings • Opioid Abuse Prevention Training • Farmer and Rancher Stress Training • Nutrition Conference • Annual Agriculture Agent, Lewistown • Fort Peck College Indian Producers surviving the Drought Conference -Billings, MT All other training and professional development occured online during the Covid-19 Pandemic including ranching techiniques, bull selection, grazing seminars, Covid-19 Relief programs, weekly 4-H zoom meetings, Community Wellness meetings, and many more. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters and monthly emails to ranchers and producers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Covid-19 Pandemic created some obstacles to carry out our 2020-2021 goals. From September to May, our office was conducting business remotely. In May, we opened to phase 1 then to Phase 2 in July. We are currently fully open and still taking Covid-19 precautions in all our outreach. We have been able to continue some of our outside programing. gardening, gardening consolation, rancher and farmer consultation, and 4-H weigh-ins and fair. Goal 1: Continue to Develop Ag In Tribal Schools: We were unable to conduct any programing in the schools this year. The local schools were virtual until May then were not allowing any outside visitors while in person. Goal 2: Create Youth Leadership Group: 60% accomplished A formal group of tribal high school students interested in local food sustainability development was put on hold since there were no in person meeting. Goal 3: Develop 4-H Special-Interest Clubs: Fort Belknap Reservation 4-H established sustained the 4-H Clubs with a decrease in enrolment. 22 members rejoined the 3 clubs. Members did not rejoin due to the lack of true 4-H experience during COVID restrictions and the uncertainty of 202021 4-H programing. They 3 current clubs met virtually monthly December - April, then in person May- August. Some of the topics of meeting were 4-H project selection, 4-H book and journal training, Quality Assurance Training, and club building activities, 4-H showmanship, and preparation. The 4-H members signed up for had a total of 12 livestock projects (8 steer and 5 hog projects) and 1 horsemanship.) The 4-H Fair was held on August 12th & 13th at the Wasay Wakpa Rodeo Arena in Lodge Pole MT. The hogs averaged 280 pounds and average sale price was $10.25/lb while the steers averaged 1290 lbs and sold at $7.25/lb. Goal 4: Continue to Develop Youth Summer Activities: 4-H Horse Camp, 4-H monthly meetings, and gardening outreach programing were conducted from May to August. 5 local youth participated in the 3-day horse camp focusing on horsemanship and horse health. Monthly virtual 4-H meetings took place from December to April consisting of Christmas Party, online food safety, Livestock Quality Assurance, 4-H showmanship, and club building activities. Indian Farmer/Rancher Productivity & Management Goal1: Assist in the continual development and outreach for Fort Belknap Marketing Livestock Coop: The FBLMC board has not been meeting monthly due to the lack of participation therefor FBLMC has supported the Extension Farmer/Rancher workshops. The FBLMC has donated time and facility to the 4-H livestock members for weigh- ins. They have also helped with 4-H workshops. A Drought Assistance Workshop with FSA, NRCS, BIA, and Tribal Land was conducted on July 27th at Fort Belknap Agency. 32 producers attended the 4-hour workshop with a question and answer period at the end of the meeting. Producers left with the knowledge to best utilize Federal Programs during the 2021 Drought. Goal 2: Create and manage Tribal Producer Education Program: Fort Peck Community College USDA Producer Education conducted a weeklong conference in Billings, Montana. The topics covered were CFAP, beef processing, small business assistance, cattle market, drought assistance and preparedness, and stimulus package for individuals. This is a two-year USDA program. Goal 3: Continue the development of Fort Belknap Rancher Roundup: 100% accomplished Ranchers Roundup was cancelled due to Covid-19. Goal 4: Continue Noxious Weed Education: Online Noxious Weed Education was offered online by MSU Extension. Also noxious weed educational material were distributed to all owners and producers on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Goal 5: Continue the assistance with Montana Department of Agriculture Rural Assistant Loans & Junior Ag. Loans Despite the obstacles of COVID-19, youth producers and new producers continued to seek assistance in the Ag Loan process. 4 applications were completed and accepted. Fort Belknap Food Sustainability Project Community Development Goal 1: Mid-Winter Fair Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mid-Winter Fair was cancelled this year. The Fair Committee will re-evaluate the options of planning a fair for 2022. Goal 2: Build Belknap, Buy Local The Extension office has attended monthly Fort Belknap Economic meeting to promote the Buy Local strategy. Currently, meat processing is being determined as a priority. Food Systems Goal 1: Community Gardens & Orchards The Community Gardens in Hays, Lodge Pole, and Fort Belknap Agency have grown and developed this past year. An additional community garden was developed in Old Hays, MT with the support of the Growing Together Montana grant under SNAP-Ed. This was one program that was able to be conducted during the Covid-19 restrictions because it was outside and practiced safe social distancing. Gardening classes were not offered but communication via Facebook allowed outreach to family gardens, provided hands-on research-based Garden Techniques, and horticultural consultations using relevant research/best practices. A MSU Extension Intern along with Summer Youth Employment Program youth assisted the Extension office in organizing community cleanup, planting, and harvesting. The MSU-Extension Research Orchard at Lodgepole was established in 2015, in collaboration with the Red Paint Creek Community Council and MSU-Extension Horticulturist Toby Day, and Lewis & Clark Agent Brent Sarchet. The orchard has been a significant complement to the Lodgepole Community Garden; it is a source of pride and a learning environment for community members. This year, in partnership with the Western Ag Research Center's Rachel Leisso, a fruit tree grafting project was continued, allowing tribal members to learn new methods of propagation. This recent initiative has positively impacted the community's ability to expand private orchards, potentially generate larger amounts of locally-grown fruit, and enhance economic opportunities for small-fruit market growers. An additional collaboration with the NRCS High Tunnel Program, combined with technical support from Island Mountain Development Group at Fort Belknap, is generating an even greater potential for growers to extend the growing season, thereby maximizing harvests. Additionally, a partnership with DNRC Forester Josh Stoychoff has resulted in the establishment of 10 food forests on the reservation. This initiative will further the ability of families to produce multiple food plants in small, efficient areas at the home gardens. Goal 2: Human Nutrition & Health Fort Belknap Extension have been working with Michelle Grocke, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders PHWEIC Program, Aaniiih Nakoda College and others to implement a public health quick impact project. After covid issues hit, the students decided to distribute cleaning supplies. The group added some Farmer Rancher Stress, Opioid Abuse Prevention materials and a Deterra bag to each bucket distribution package. The 2021 project involved the distribution of comfort bags, including indigenous-based teas to assist people in seeking alternatives to opioids. Food Preservation: The Well-Connected Communities Project Objective is to enhance/foster consistent and sustainable access to healthy local foods to the members of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, by increasing the number of persons trained in approved food preservation techniques. Eight local mentors were trained to create a team of master food preservers on the Fort Belknap Reservation. The program will expand this year to include 8 more master food preservers, with an emphasis on youth mentors. Additional training opportunities are also scheduled.
Publications
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Progress 08/15/20 to 08/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Fort Belknap tribal residents will build upon their self-reliance knowledge to increase independence and internal capacity building to develop a community of healthy youth, families, elders, and producers working to conserve their native territories' natural resources with the guidance of MSU Extension's unbiased, research-based information. Extension provides tribal community members hands-on, informal educational opportunities they would not otherwise have access to due to the rural location in North Central Montana. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 Pandemic has created obstacles to carry out our FRTEP goals. The Fort Belknap Extension Office is exploring different avenues to reach and teach our clients. We are researching different technology venues to host meetings, classes, and distribute information. Our goals will change and adapt to the needs of our clientele and the ability for all to stay safe. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT MSU Extension FCS Annual Meeting Reimaging Rural Trainings Well Connected Communities Trainings Opioid Abuse Prevention Training Farmer and Rancher Stress Training Nutrition Conference Annual Agriculture Agent, Lewistown Fort Peck College Indian Producers surviving the Drought Conference -Billings, MT All other training and professional development occured online during the Covid-19 Pandemic including ranching techiniques, bull selection, grazing seminars, Covid-19 Relief programs, weekly 4-H zoom meetings, Community Wellness meetings, and many more. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters and monthly emails to ranchers and producers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Maintain community and family gardens Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies Increase agriculture education opportunities and provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops Build and train 4H clubs in 3 Fort Belknap Communities Apply for funds to support administration, producer trainings, and community garden expansion Adapt to the needs of our communties during the Covid-19 Pandamic.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Covid-19 Pandemic created some obstacles to carry out our 2020-2021 goals. From September to May, our office was conducting business remotely. In May, we opened to phase 1 then to Phase 2 in July. We are currently fully open and still taking Covid-19 precautions in all our outreach. We have been able to continue some of our outside programing. gardening, gardening consolation, rancher and farmer consultation, and 4-H weigh-ins and fair. Goal 1: Continue to Develop Ag In Tribal Schools: We were unable to conduct any programing in the schools this year. The local schools were virtual until May then were not allowing any outside visitors while in person. Goal 2: Create Youth Leadership Group: 60% accomplished A formal group of tribal high school students interested in local food sustainability development was put on hold since there were no in person meeting. Goal 3: Develop 4-H Special-Interest Clubs: Fort Belknap Reservation 4-H established sustained the 4-H Clubs with a decrease in enrolment. 22 members rejoined the 3 clubs. Members did not rejoin due to the lack of true 4-H experience during COVID restrictions and the uncertainty of 2020-21 4-H programing. They 3 current clubs met virtually monthly December - April, then in person May- August. Some of the topics of meeting were 4-H project selection, 4-H book and journal training, Quality Assurance Training, and club building activities, 4-H showmanship, and preparation. The 4-H members signed up for had a total of 12 livestock projects (8 steer and 5 hog projects) and 1 horsemanship.) The 4-H Fair was held on August 12th & 13th at the Wasay Wakpa Rodeo Arena in Lodge Pole MT. The hogs averaged 280 pounds and average sale price was $10.25/lb while the steers averaged 1290 lbs and sold at $7.25/lb. Goal 4: Continue to Develop Youth Summer Activities: 4-H Horse Camp, 4-H monthly meetings, and gardening outreach programing were conducted from May to August. 5 local youth participated in the 3-day horse camp focusing on horsemanship and horse health. Monthly virtual 4-H meetings took place from December to April consisting of Christmas Party, online food safety, Livestock Quality Assurance, 4-H showmanship, and club building activities. Indian Farmer/Rancher Productivity & Management Goal1: Assist in the continual development and outreach for Fort Belknap Marketing Livestock Coop: The FBLMC board has not been meeting monthly due to the lack of participation therefor FBLMC has supported the Extension Farmer/Rancher workshops. The FBLMC has donated time and facility to the 4-H livestock members for weigh- ins. They have also helped with 4-H workshops. A Drought Assistance Workshop with FSA, NRCS, BIA, and Tribal Land was conducted on July 27th at Fort Belknap Agency. 32 producers attended the 4-hour workshop with a question and answer period at the end of the meeting. Producers left with the knowledge to best utilize Federal Programs during the 2021 Drought. Goal 2: Create and manage Tribal Producer Education Program: Fort Peck Community College USDA Producer Education conducted a weeklong conference in Billings, Montana. The topics covered were CFAP, beef processing, small business assistance, cattle market, drought assistance and preparedness, and stimulus package for individuals. This is a two-year USDA program. Goal 3: Continue the development of Fort Belknap Rancher Roundup: 100% accomplished Ranchers Roundup was cancelled due to Covid-19. Goal 4: Continue Noxious Weed Education: Online Noxious Weed Education was offered online by MSU Extension. Also noxious weed educational material were distributed to all owners and producers on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Goal 5: Continue the assistance with Montana Department of Agriculture Rural Assistant Loans & Junior Ag. Loans Despite the obstacles of COVID-19, youth producers and new producers continued to seek assistance in the Ag Loan process. 4 applications were completed and accepted. Fort Belknap Food Sustainability Project Community Development Goal 1: Mid-Winter Fair Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mid-Winter Fair was cancelled this year. The Fair Committee will re-evaluate the options of planning a fair for 2022. Goal 2: Build Belknap, Buy Local The Extension office has attended monthly Fort Belknap Economic meeting to promote the Buy Local strategy. Currently, meat processing is being determined as a priority. Food Systems Goal 1: Community Gardens & Orchards The Community Gardens in Hays, Lodge Pole, and Fort Belknap Agency have grown and developed this past year. An additional community garden was developed in Old Hays, MT with the support of the Growing Together Montana grant under SNAP-Ed. This was one program that was able to be conducted during the Covid-19 restrictions because it was outside and practiced safe social distancing. Gardening classes were not offered but communication via Facebook allowed outreach to family gardens, provided hands-on research-based Garden Techniques, and horticultural consultations using relevant research/best practices. A MSU Extension Intern along with Summer Youth Employment Program youth assisted the Extension office in organizing community cleanup, planting, and harvesting. The MSU-Extension Research Orchard at Lodgepole was established in 2015, in collaboration with the Red Paint Creek Community Council and MSU-Extension Horticulturist Toby Day, and Lewis & Clark Agent Brent Sarchet. The orchard has been a significant complement to the Lodgepole Community Garden; it is a source of pride and a learning environment for community members. This year, in partnership with the Western Ag Research Center's Rachel Leisso, a fruit tree grafting project was continued, allowing tribal members to learn new methods of propagation. This recent initiative has positively impacted the community's ability to expand private orchards, potentially generate larger amounts of locally-grown fruit, and enhance economic opportunities for small-fruit market growers. An additional collaboration with the NRCS High Tunnel Program, combined with technical support from Island Mountain Development Group at Fort Belknap, is generating an even greater potential for growers to extend the growing season, thereby maximizing harvests. Additionally, a partnership with DNRC Forester Josh Stoychoff has resulted in the establishment of 10 food forests on the reservation. This initiative will further the ability of families to produce multiple food plants in small, efficient areas at the home gardens. Goal 2: Human Nutrition & Health Fort Belknap Extension have been working with Michelle Grocke, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders PHWEIC Program, Aaniiih Nakoda College and others to implement a public health quick impact project. After covid issues hit, the students decided to distribute cleaning supplies. The group added some Farmer Rancher Stress, Opioid Abuse Prevention materials and a Deterra bag to each bucket distribution package. The 2021 project involved the distribution of comfort bags, including indigenous-based teas to assist people in seeking alternatives to opioids. Food Preservation: The Well-Connected Communities Project Objective is to enhance/foster consistent and sustainable access to healthy local foods to the members of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, by increasing the number of persons trained in approved food preservation techniques. Eight local mentors were trained to create a team of master food preservers on the Fort Belknap Reservation. The program will expand this year to include 8 more master food preservers, with an emphasis on youth mentors. Additional training opportunities are also scheduled.
Publications
|
Progress 08/15/19 to 08/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Fort Belknap tribal residents will build upon their self-reliance knowledge to increase independence and internal capacity building to develop a community of healthy youth, families, elders, and producers working to conserve their native territories' natural resources with the guidance of MSU Extension's unbiased, research-based information. Extension provides tribal community members hands-on, informal educational opportunities they would not otherwise have access to due to the rural location in North Central Montana. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 Pandemic has created obstacles to carryoutour FRTEPgoals. The Fort Belknap Extension Office is exploring different avenues to reach and teach our clients. We are researching different technology venues to host meetings, classes, and distribute information. Our goals will change and adapt to the needs of our clientel and the abliity for all to stay safe. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?• IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV • MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT • Rocky Mountain Tribal Council Native Food Soverienty Conference, BIlings MT All othertraining and professional development occured online during the Covid-19 Pandemic including ranching techiniques, bull selection, grazing seminars, Covid-19 Relief programs, weekly 4-H zoom meetings, Community Wellness meetings, and many more. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters and monthly emails to ranchers and producers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain community and family gardens 2. Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies 3. Increase agriculture education opportunities and provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops 4. Build and train 4H clubs in 3 Fort Belknap Communities 5. Apply for funds to support administration, producer trainings, and community garden expansion 6. Adapt to the needs of our communtiesduring the Covid-19 Pandamic.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Covid-19 Pandemic created some obstacles to carryout some of our 2019-2020 goals. From September to March we were able to conduct business as usual. From March until now our outreach and programming has been limited to online and one-on-one appointments. We have been able to continue some of our outside programing. ; gardening, gardening consolation, rancher and farmer consultation, and 4-H weigh-ins. Goal 1: Continue to Develop Ag In Tribal Schools The Agriculture Agent, FCS Agent, and 4-H Program Coordinator provided research-based, hands-on lessons weekly lessons for 6 weeks to the 4th -6th grades at Hays Lodgepole Elementary. The 4-H Program Coordinator utilized 4-H Junior Master Gardener, and 4-H Acres of Adventure curriculums to conduct a 4-H weekly lesson. The lesson themes were coordinated with the current classroom science theme. Usually, in class room planting and garden preparation occurred but the 4-H Coordinator was unable to be in the classrooms during growing sessions. Extension served 75 students weekly during a 5 month period. Goal 2: Create Youth Leadership Group: 60% accomplished A formal group of tribal high school students interested in local food sustainability development is slowly being formed. 3 local high school students wrote essays and 2 were selected to attend the Intertribal Agricultural Council Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in December 2019. The students raised funds to attend the meeting. They were exposed to the variety of agriculture/natural resources throughout Indian Country. They came back inspired to better utilize our own Natural Resources on Fort Belknap. They presented their essays at Ranchers' Roundup. Goal 3: Develop 4-H Special-Interest Clubs: Fort Belknap Reservation 4-H established 2 new clubs with 28 new members. The volunteers were trained. They recruited members and started their club meetings in November. They 3 current clubs met monthly in November - February. Some of the topics of meeting were 4-H project selection, 4-H book and journal training, food safety certification, Quality Assurance Training, and club building activities. The 4-H members signed up for had a total of 27 livestock projects (13 steer and 14 hog projects) and 15 other projects (photography, cooking, veterinarian, and robotics.) After March, the clubs were unable to meet therefor all 4-H Fair organizing and project development was done via zoom. After planning a virtual 4-H Fair, the Fort Belknap Tribal Council would not pass the 4-H Virtual Fair Covid-19 Safety Plan, therefor a 4-H Private Treaty Sale was conducted on August 13th. The hogs averaged 260 pounds and average sale price was $4.97/lb while the steers averaged 1058 lbs and sold at $3.76/lb. Non-livestock projects were able to post their projects online Goal 4: Continue to Develop Youth Summer Activities: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, no youth summer activities were conducted. Indian Farmer/Rancher Productivity & Management Goal1: Assist in the continual development and outreach for Fort Belknap Marketing Livestock Coop: The FBLMC board has not been meeting monthly due to the lack of participation therefor FBLMC has supported the Extension Farmer/Rancher workshops. The FBLMC has donated time and facility to the 4-H livestock members for weigh-ins. They have also helped with 4-H workshops and donated steers to 4-H members. Goal 2: Create and manage Tribal Producer Education Program: Fort Peck Community College USDA Producer Education started in March then quickly came to a stop. FPCC and MSU Extension have adapted and are offering weekly Agriculture Webinars online to producers across the state. The current topics are CFAP, beef processing, small business assistance, cattle market, and stimulus package for individuals. This is a two year USDA program. Goal 3: Continue the development of Fort Belknap Rancher Roundup: 100% accomplished Ranchers Roundup was planned during the Fort Belknap Mid-Winter Fair on Feb. 6-7, 2020. 18 local producers attended workshops. Extension agents, Tribal Youth Ag Leaders, Tribal Natural Resources, and local Ag Programs to presented. The first day was focused on Hemp production, processing, and marketing. The second day was focused on financial management and resources. Goal 4: Continue Noxious Weed Education: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, noxious weed education classes were canceled. The extension agent Face Book posted, emailed and mailed noxious weed educational material to all owners and producers on the Fort Belknap Reservation. Fort Belknap Food Sustainability Project Community Development Goal 1: Mid-Winter Fair The MWF committee and Extension office organized the agendas and publicize monthly meetings. Local community members, Tribal programs, and local businesses were invited to participate in fair as event chairs. Extension office assisted 15 Mid-Winter Fair event chairs to fundraise, market, and organize fair events. Healthy choices is a theme throughout the fair: from cooking contests, canning contests, coking demonstrations, youth programing, culture activities, Pow Wow, fiddle and jig contest, and art show. Goal 2: Build Belknap, Buy Local The Extension office has attended monthly Fort Belknap Economic meeting to promote the Buy Local strategy. Currently, meet processing is being determined as a priority. Food Systems Goal 1: Community Gardens & Orchards The Community Gardens in Hays, Lodge Pole, and Fort Belknap Agency have grown and developed this past year. This was one program that was able to be conducted during the Covid-19 restrictions because it was outside and practiced safe social distancing. Gardening classes were not offered but communication via Facebook allowed outreach to family gardens, provided hands-on research-based Garden Techniques, and horticultural consultations using relevant research/best practices. A MSU Extension Intern and two Aaniiih Nakoda College interns assisted the Extension office in organizing community cleanup, planting, and harvesting celebrations. The MSU-Extension Research Orchard at Lodgepole was established in 2015, in collaboration with the Red Paint Creek Community Council and MSU-Extension Horticulturist Toby Day, and Lewis & Clark Agent Brent Sarchet. The orchard has been a significant complement to the Lodgepole Community Garden; it is a source of pride and a learning environment for community members. This year, in partnership with the Western Ag Research Center's Rachel Leisso, a fruit tree grafting project was instituted, allowing tribal members to learn new methods of propagation. This recent initiative has positively impacted the community's ability to expand private orchards, potentially generate larger amounts of locally-grown fruit, and enhance economic opportunities for small-fruit market growers. An additional collaboration with the NRCS High Tunnel Program, combined with technical support from Island Mountain Development Group at Fort Belknap, is generating an even greater potential for growers to extend the growing season, thereby maximizing harvests. Goal 2: Human Nutrition & Health Fort Belknap Extension have been working with Michelle Grocke, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders PHWEIC Program, Aaniiih Nakoda College and others to implement a public health quick impact project. After covid issues hit, the students decided to distribute cleaning supplies. The group added some Farmer Rancher Stress, Opioid Abuse Prevention materials and a Deterra bag to each bucket distribution package. Food Preservation: The Well-Connected Communities Project Objective is to enhance/foster consistent and sustainable access to healthy local foods to the members of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, by increasing the number of persons trained in approved food preservation techniques. Local mentors will be trained to create a team of master food preservers on the Fort Belknap Reservation.
Publications
|
Progress 08/15/18 to 08/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Fort Belknap tribal residents will build upon their self-reliance knowledge to increase independence and internal capacity building to develop a community of healthy youth, families, elders, and producers working to conserve their native territories' natural resources with the guidance of MSU Extension's unbiased, research-based information. Extension provides tribal community members hands-on, informal educational opportunities they would not otherwise have access to due to the rural location in North Central Montana. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV MSU Extension Annual Conference Bozeman, MT Rocky Mountain Tribal Council Native Food Soverienty Conference, BIlings MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters and monthly emails to ranchers and producers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain community and family gardens 2. Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies 3. Increase number of FBLMC to 45 through membership drives and incentives 4. Increase agriculture education opportunities and provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops 5. Establish 4H clubs in 3 Fort Belknap Communities 6. Continue to provide educational Noxious Weed Management workshops 7. Apply for funds to support administration, producer trainings, and community garden expansion
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Tribal Youth & 4-H Goal 1: Continue to Develop Ag In Tribal Schools: 80% accomplished The Agriculture Agent, FCS Agent, and FPNE Nutrition Educator provided research-based, hands-on lessons weekly lessons for 6 weeks to the 4th -6th grades at Hays Lodgepole Elementary and Mission Grade school. The Agents/Educator utilized 4-H Junior Master Gardener, and 4-H Acres of Adventure curriculums. Tomato, pepper, sunflower, and squash plants were started in the classrooms for the local community gardens. The 4th-6th grade classes planted their starter plants in the local Hays and Lodgepole community gardens. A variety of local youth programs supported the planting, maintaining, and harvesting of the gardens; Summer Youth Employment Program, Aaniiih Nakoda College Interns, Head Start, Early Head Start, and local youth on behavioral improvement plans. Goal 2: Create Youth Leadership Group: 60% accomplished A formal group of tribal high school students interested in local food sustainability development is slowly being formed. Food Sustainability is a difficult idea for high school students to grasp. 3 local high school students wrote essays and were selected to attend the Intertribal Agricultural Council Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in December 2018. The students raised funds to attend the meeting. They were exposed to the variety of agriculture/natural resources throughout Indian Country. They came back inspired to better utilize our own Natural Resources on Fort Belknap. They presented what they learned at the Ranchers' Roundup. Goal 3: Develop 4-H Special-Interest Clubs: 80% accomplished Fort Belknap Reservation will host its inaugural 4-H Fair August 16, 2019. The Lucky Charms 4-H Club of Dodson MT. The club was established in fall of 2016 to serve youth in Dodson and the Fort Belknap Reservation. We have continued to grow. In spring of 2019, the club - youth and parents - requested to transfer our club from Phillips County Extension to the Fort Belknap Reservation Extension Program. To do this we need your help. The 4-H Fair will be an opportunity for area kids to showcase their yearlong 4-H projects to the community. Your donation will go towards premium monies, and sweatshirts for participants based on points determined by the ribbon placing of their projects. Montana State University (MSU) Extension and Fort Belknap Extension Agent Liz Werk agreed to take on the administration of 4-H for the Fort Belknap Reservation. We are excited to customize 4-H for Fort Belknap and expand membership and programming reservation-wide. For this program year (Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019), the Lucky Charms 4-H Club of Dodson is the only club participating in the reservation fair. The club is comprised of 18 members most of whom are in their third year of 4-H. Our club projects include Market Swine, Baking, Cooking, Cake Decorating, Sewing and Cloverbuds. This fair is a start; the future of 4-H at Fort Belknap is bright. We are seeking club leaders and youth from all reservation communities to join 4-H and establish new clubs beginning in October 2019 for the next project year, Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020. Goal 4: Continue to Develop Youth Summer Activities: 50% accomplished Rodeo Camp was conducted in collaboration with the Stillwater Cowboy Church on July 8-11, 2019. An average of 48 local youth attended the 3-day camp to learn a variety of horseback riding, roping, steer riding, and horsemanship skills while challenging themselves to try new skills in a safe and comfortable environment. Weekly youth activities have been centered around the community gardens. Cultural, nutrition, art and crafts, and other programing has taken place in the community gardens. Indian Farmer/Rancher Productivity & Management Goal1: Assist in the continual development and outreach for Fort Belknap Marketing Livestock Coop: 50% accomplished The FBLMC board has not been meeting monthly due to the lack of participation therefor FBLMC has supported the Extension Farmer/Rancher workshops. Goal 2: Create and manage Tribal Producer Education Program: 75% accomplished A specific Tribal Education Program will not be created due to funding. Rather with local tribal producer education, USDA producer education program opportunities were a good fit for our tribal producers. Rancher Roundup Feb. 7-8, 2019, USDA/MSU Extension Farm and Ranch Management Workshop March 27-28, 2019, Solar Workshop October 29, 2019, Private Applicator Training April 18, 2019 , and financial education programs have provided 65 local tribal producers science-based farm/ranch maintenance, improvements, and economic growth education. Goal 3: Continue the development of Fort Belknap Rancher Roundup: 100% accomplished Ranchers Roundup was planned during the Fort Belknap Mid-Winter Fair on Feb. 7-8, 2019. 26 local producers attending the workshops. Extension agents, Tribal Youth Ag Leaders, Tribal Natural Resources, and local Ag Programs to presented on topics suggested by local ranchers/farmers from bee keeping to grazing leases. Goal 4: Continue Noxious Weed Education: 50% accomplished Private Applicator Training was conducted on April 18, 2019 with 9 local attendees. The Agricultural Agent is currently assisting Tribal Land and Natural Resources
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Progress 08/15/17 to 08/14/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The role of FRTEP on the Fort Belknap Reservation has been historically integral to knowledge acquisition and skill development in the lives of tribal members at Fort Belknap. Fort Belknap tribal residents will build upon their self-reliance knowledge to increase independence and internal capacity building to develop a community of healthy youth, families, elders, and producers working to conserve their native territories' natural resources with the guidance of MSU Extension's unbiased, research-based information. Extension provides tribal community members hands-on, informal educational opportunities they would not otherwise have access to due to the rural location in North Central Montana. Changes/Problems:The Fort Belknap Extension office is currently moving offices. We are temporarily stationed out of the Kills at Night Center in Hays, MT while keeping one administrative office at Fort Belknap Agency. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? IAC conference in Las Vegas, NV • FRTEPAnnual Conference Ronan, MT• Private Applicator Training, Lewistown, MT Rocky Mountain Tribal Council Native Food Soverienty Conference, BIlings MT How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?MSU Extension Engagement Plan report • MSU Extension Yearly Report • BIA FCS report • Class/workshop fliers • Local RGVA radio announcements, Local newspaper articles • Facebook announcements • Phone calls • Informational letters and monthly emails to ranchers and producers What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Maintain community and family gardens 2. Explore funding for community garden staffing, maintenance, and supplies 3. Increase number of FBLMC members Increase the number to 45 through membership drives and incentives 4. Increase agriculture education opportunities and provide monthly/quarterly producers workshops 5. Establish 4H club and archery group 6. Continue to provide educational Noxious Weed Management workshops 7. Apply for funds to support administration, producer trainings, and community garden expansion.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1: Continue to Develop Ag In Tribal School: The AG and FCS agents provided research-based, hands-on lessons from 4-H Acres of Adventure curriculum to 24 3 & 4th MIssion Grade students and 45 Hays/LodgePole 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students. Theses students grew potato, tomato, and flower starter plants for community gardens and family gardents. These students prepared the ground for strawberry, potato, and lettuce crops in the community gardens Goal 2: Create Youth Leadership Group: There has been a growing interest in the ag leadership opportunities by local youth. Involvment in community gardens, community stores, and community medicinal garden mentoring project has increased. Tribal Ag Youth Leaders applied and were planning on attending the Native Youth AG Summit but personal issues did not alllow them to attend. Goal 3: Develop 4-H Special-Interest Clubs: One 4-H Archery Adult completed the Shooting Sports Leadership Training. The Leader and Extension Intern conducted weekly archery classes with over 123 youth throughout the 2018 summer. Goal 4: Continue to Develop Youth Summer Activities:During 2018 summer activities, garden, archery, and sewing activities were conducted twice a week in Lodge Pole and Hays. The Rodeo Horse Camp was a success with 37 attendees during the week of Aug 9-13 in Lodge Pole. Indian Farmer/Rancher: Productivity & Management Goal 1: TheFort Belknap Marketing Livestock Coop is under leadership changes therefor there has been limited meetings. Goal 2: Create and manage Tribal Producer Education Program: Planning for On Farm Success 2 day training on March 20th and 21st.Whole Farm Planning,Financial Basics; Financing Your Farm,Identifying Your Market,and "Made/Produced by American Indians" Trademark.Featuring Ross Racine from Intertribal Ag Council, Farm Service Agency, American Prairie Reserve, Farm Link Montana, and NCAT ATTRA. Goal 3: Continue the development of Fort Belknap Rancher Roundup: Mid Winter Fair Ranchers Roundup Feb. 1st& 2nd provided a 2 day training for ranchers, farmers, and gardeners. The presenters wereFruit Tree Orchard - Brent Sarchet,Lodge Pole Garden - Josie Cliff,Grazing & Soil Health- Dave Scott, NCAT,Feedlot discussion - Loren BirdRattle, Blackfeet Beef Label,Making Sense of your Financial Statement- Matt Harrington, NACDC,Farm Service Agency Update - Jennifer Perez Cole, FSA,Fort Belknap ARMP - Adviser Committee, BIA, FB Land. Goal 4: Continue Noxious Weed Education: A Private Applicator Training planned for Fort Belknap Reservation on March 6 was canceled due to winter weather and closed roads. Goal 5: Continue the assistance with Montana Department of Agriculture Rural Assistant Loans & Junior Ag. Loans:The Ag Agent trained 4 new and 2 seasoned producers incompleting Montana AGRural Assistant Loans. This brought $150,000 into the community of Fort Belknap. Indian Community Development-Fort Belknap Food Sustainability Project Goal 1Mid-Winter Fair: A higly attended and successful Mid Winter Fair was held Jan. 31st - Feb. 3rd. Monthly planning meetings were conducted August through February. Tribal programs, local schools, community members, and local businesses assited in conducting workshops, events, youth programs, health/cooking events, and booth competitions during the fair. The Extension office assisted the event chairs withthe marketing, fundraising, fair schedule, and the FBIC Planning Department with grants. Goal 2 Build Belknap, Buy Local:In collaboration the University of Arkansas' Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, the Extension provided aProduce Safety Training May 11,2018 in Lodge Pole with 15 attendees. Participants left with a certificate in Produce Safety. Goal 3 Native American DevelopmentCooperation partnership:The partnership with NADC has become limited due to the lack of funding. Food Systems Goal 1 Community Gardens and Family Gardens: Extension FCS agent provided Hays &Lodge Pole research basedweekly garden meetings covering topics driven by comnuity and family garden needs supported by Mont Guide topics averaging 5-15 people from May to September. Garden consultations were provided to family gardens. Human Nutrition Goal 1Food Preservation: The FCS agent tought 18 approved USDA Food Preservation best practices classes that provided expansion of knowledge/skills in food preservation techniques in both Lodge Pole, Hays, and Fort Belknap from August to December. Goal 2 Healthy Cooking: The FCS agent increased participants knowledge/skills in food preparation techniques through demonstrations and healthy cooking trainings. The FCS encouraged participants use of locally-grown food resources through the food preservation and garden classes held weekly.
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