Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Navajo Nation consists of 17 million acres, or about 25,000 square miles, approximately the size of West Virginia and three times as large as Massachusetts. The Shiprock Agency is located in the Northeastern part of the Navajo Nation and its reach extends into the Four Corners region of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Activities

Agriculture continues to be a livelihood for a majority of the Navajo (Dine’) people. Livestock production is a dependable staple that provides food and revenue for Navajo families. The goal of the Shiprock Cooperative Extension Office is to enhance the attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior of Navajo Nation agricultural producers, both adults and youth, through delivery of intensive training, technological adaptation, agri-business projects and development of food policies.

Highlights

American Indian Producer in the New Economy

Shiprock Cooperative Extension office encourages producers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, which are attainable through intensive training and technology. With this guidance, producers have been able to develop agri-business projects and address food security within the Nation. Extension agents have conducted classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations and techniques, and utilize professional experts from universities, and Tribal and Federal programs. Through collaboration with partners locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, the Extension team has initiated pilot projects for agribusinesses and established focus groups to address food security on the Navajo Nation to aid in the development of food policies.

Farm safety
Following a survey which revealed that few producers in the community were practicing safety on their farms, the Extension agent installed a successful prevention program. Presentations were delivered in the community on multiple topics, including cattle handling safety, the safe use of chemicals and pesticides and canal ditch safety.

Model Farmer program
The program involved 120 farmers, who were divided into treatment and non-treatment groups. Participants were able to see a vast difference in how they applied agricultural practices on their land. Grant funding was used to purchase cattle systems that consisted of chutes, panels and equipment for improving herd health.  Every four years this equipment rotates among communities so that many different producers have the opportunity to use it.

Bilingual program delivery
Shiprock Extension programs have been very well-received, especially when the agent was able to converse with her own people in their native language. Many of the people who came to the presentations were elders, who held grazing permits. At one time there was program funding for bilingual education in both private and public schools.  In most cases now, students learn Navajo from their parents. If not, their Native language is not being passed on and the tradition is dwindling.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed more than 300 bottles of hand sanitizer.
• Distributed latex gloves.
• Provided telephone consultation on livestock vaccines and feed.
• Provided 4-H youth with livestock grooming equipment for upkeep of their animals.
• Worked in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Window Rock tribal extension office to organize a virtual 4-H livestock show and sale for youth.

 

4-H Youth Program
The Youth Program is comprised of community clubs throughout the Shiprock Agency’s territory. Operating with a variety of partner organizations, the goals have been to recruit, train and monitor 4-H leaders and volunteers; promote 4-H youth development in all communities on the Navajo Nation; and take part in youth development activities. During the summer, 4-H youth work at chapter houses, gathering places on the Navajo Nation where residents have the opportunity to express their opinions and make communal decisions. Students often participate at the fair where nearly 150 youth from five different 4-H clubs and other school organizations, take part. Although it can be difficult finding volunteer leaders to start a club, the Extension youth program has been quite successful.

Livestock Management Program
Extension educators worked closely on this initiative with multiple stakeholders – including grazing officials, elected officials and others – from 20 communities in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah along the San Juan River. The training was focused on record keeping because this is a requirement to receive compensation through government programs. Participating producers met on a quarterly basis to learn more about nutrition and care of livestock, with a focus on herd health and types of diseases.

Native Rancher Shortcourse
The focus of this course was on Native foods. Many farms on the reservation were being transferred into the hands of women who were not familiar with production. Among other things, the course taught participants how to market their products. They learned how to make Native foods from blue corn and other traditional foods, helping to add value to their products. The course also covered living wills and the importance of conservation plans.

Back to All Projects

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) is comprised of four distinct tribes: The Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo. The CRIT reservation was established in 1865 and is located on the Southwestern part of Arizona along the Colorado River, with a portion of the reservation on the California side. The reservation covers an area of close to 300,000 acres, 80,000 of which is arable. The main agricultural products are alfalfa and cotton, and a few minor crops which includes specialty potatoes, durum wheat, sorghum, as well as Bermuda and Sudan grass.

Activities

FRTEP is the outreach arm of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for the Colorado River Indian Tribes. The FRTEP agent, together with the extension specialists and faculty, provides science-based information and programs to help the farmers, youth and the tribal community.

Highlights

MEASURING IMPACT

FRTEP programs have had a major impact on individuals, families and tribal communities. Just how much impact has now been quantified thanks to a research project that used Ripple Effects Mapping (REM) and content analysis. The Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILFT) engaged in a joint collaboration with an evaluation team and the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center to measure the long-term impacts of the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) serving the Colorado River Indian Tribes. Click the link below to read the report.

Read the report

Agriculture and Natural Resources

FRTEP aims to help farmers in the reservation improve productivity by providing educational opportunities on crop production technologies, and pest and disease management. The FRTEP agent collaborated with the extension specialists of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to share results of their latest research studies and other developments in crop production. Weather forecasts and heat units data are provided to help farmers manage their crops better. Field trials are also conducted to generate local data.

School Garden

The CRIT reservation is blessed with a fertile valley and an abundance of water, resources which support farming. FRTEP collaborated with Le Pera Elementary School (the K-8 school located on the reservation) to establish a learning garden so students will understand how plants grow and have an appreciation of the farming activities around them. The garden provides an opportunity for students to learn hands-on how to grow vegetables and take care of fruit trees. It serves as an outdoor classroom where students learn applied science and math concepts through gardening. The school garden is divided into two sections: a vegetable area and a fruit grove. In the vegetable area, students do land preparation, planting and learning what plants are suitable for the cold and warm seasons, irrigation and water conservation using a drip system and mulching, care and maintenance, and harvesting. In the fruit grove, the students learn how to fertilize, prune, and remove weeds under the canopy of trees. The garden also offers physical activity for the students and gives them a break from sitting inside the classroom for long hours.

Community Garden

FRTEP has partnered with the CRIT-DHS Food Distribution Program on a community garden project to encourage clients to grow vegetables. The garden provides a season-long learning opportunity that enables participants to learn gardening from preparing the soil to harvesting. Participants are encouraged to grow their own garden at home so they can apply the concepts learned from the community garden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FRTEP partnered with the AZ Health Zone (formerly SNAP Ed) coordinator to provide the Seed-to-Supper online vegetable gardening program. This is a six-week gardening class that covers topics from planning a home garden to harvesting.

Health and Nutrition

In addition to the community garden project, FRTEP has partnered with the County FCHS agent and the AZ Health Zone program coordinator to provide nutrition education and cooking demonstrations using healthy recipes that utilize ingredients coming from the CRIT-DHS Food Distribution Program and from the community garden.

4-H and Youth Development

The 4-H program provides opportunity for youth to learn life skills and develop leadership and communication skills. FRTEP collaborated with the county 4-H agent to encourage tribal youth to participate in 4-H. Notable projects include livestock, small stock and poultry raising, where they learn to raise animals for food. Participants are required to do an indoor project which helps develop their writing and communication skills. Other projects offered include shooting sports and sport fishing, and a summer camp where students learn about robotics, solar energy, and other STEM concepts. Club membership is required as well as attendance in club meetings. This helps youth to develop leadership skills as they perform different tasks and roles in the club. Youth members are also encouraged to volunteer in community events to further enhance interpersonal skills as well as teaching them the importance of giving back to the community which supports the 4-H program.

FRTEP also partnered with Le Pera Elementary School on a mini Fab Lab project. FRTEP will provide state-of-the-art equipment through a grant funded by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. The school will provide the space to house the Fab Lab and develop a curriculum that will provide an opportunity for students to learn STEM concepts and their practical application.

COVID-19 Activities

• Distributed face masks through food banks, soup kitchens and crisis shelters.
• Worked with local 4-H leaders to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies and donated these to other tribal communities affected by the virus.
• Provided hand sanitizers for use in tribal offices.
• Donated produce (watermelons, tomatoes, apples, bell peppers) from various garden projects to tribal employees who are front-line/essential workers.
• Provided vegetable seeds and gardening information to residents to encourage backyard gardening during the stay-at-home order.
• Worked virtually with 4-H youth to complete and collect their record books.
• Provided virtual training for 4-H youth who qualified to become ambassadors and members of state-level committees.
• Provided technical support for gardening webinars.
• Addressed gardening questions sent via e-mails, text messages and social media.