Sequoyah High School Launches Agriculture Program
Sequoyah High School Introduces Agriculture Program to Foster Indigenous Food Sustainability
By Miami News-Digest
Tahlequah, Okla. — Sequoyah High School, in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), and the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, has announced the launch of a comprehensive agriculture education program aimed at promoting Indigenous food sustainability and providing hands-on agricultural learning experiences.
Over the next year, the school plans to hire an agriculture teacher to develop the program, establish a school garden, and explore opportunities to raise beef cattle. The produce and meat from these initiatives are intended to support a farm-to-table program in the school's cafeteria. Additionally, Sequoyah teachers will integrate agricultural topics into their existing curricula to provide a multidisciplinary approach to education.
“At the root of our culture, our Cherokee people have always believed in a holistic approach to health and wellness to ensure our entire tribe was cared for, and this partnership today carries forward those traditional ways of life for our students,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
The program emphasizes active, hands-on learning, encouraging students to engage in activities such as water system testing, plant cultivation, and soil science exploration. These experiences aim to equip students with valuable technical skills and knowledge foundational to agricultural education, potentially guiding them toward future careers in agriculture.
“This initiative empowers our students by giving them the skills and knowledge to succeed in agriculture while honoring and integrating our Indigenous traditions and values,” said Tony L. Dearman, director of the Bureau of Indian Education. “This is a significant step forward in providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond.”
Sequoyah High School, serving approximately 400 Native American students, is the third BIE school to participate in a pilot program focused on culturally relevant agricultural training and education. The initiative aims to enhance learning by tailoring supplemental agricultural units to existing school resources, thereby fostering a deeper connection between students and their cultural heritage.
NAAF, established following the Keepseagle national class action settlement addressing barriers in lending practices affecting Native farmers and ranchers, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The organization's mission includes investing in solutions that advance agriculture, such as education, to address and reduce challenges faced by Native producers.
The Bureau of Indian Education oversees federal Indian education programs, funding 183 elementary and secondary schools serving approximately 40,000 students. BIE also administers grants for 29 tribally controlled colleges and universities, as well as two tribal technical colleges, supporting a broad spectrum of educational opportunities for Native American students.
This collaborative effort at Sequoyah High School represents a significant step toward empowering Native American youth through education that honors and integrates Indigenous traditions, preparing them to become well-rounded future leaders in their communities.
For more information, visit the Bureau of Indian Education or the Native American Agriculture Fund.
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