Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe expands agriculture programs

LAKE TRAVERSE RESERVATION, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A northern South Dakota reservation continues in their goal of self-reliance, something that became a priority during the pandemic.

If you drive just south of Agency Village by the pow-wow grounds, you’ll see an expanse of farmers’ fields. Although the landscape remains the same, those working the land are changing.

“It’s something we started last year, coming into our new term. We see agriculture as a huge opportunity for the tribe,” said J. Garret Renville, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal chairman.

The leadership of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe continues to find new ways to strengthen food sovereignty, which means expanding their agriculture programming.

“Currently, we lease a lot of our land to farmers, and so now, we’re trying to do a lot more ourselves,” said Renville.

Soybeans, potatoes and corn seedlings will be popping up soon.

“When we talk about food sovereignty, that definitely has to be a part of this new endeavor. One part of it is to farm commercially but also to be able to feed ourselves in case of another pandemic or another disaster,” said Renville.

The tribe’s meat locker is just days away from opening.

“It came in during the pandemic — there was a shortage of beef. And so fortunately for us, we had buffalo to rely on,” said Renville.

Whether it’s a family or a First Nation, growing your own food and butchering your own meat brings pride.

“Even our agriculture continues to expand year over year,” said Renville.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.