Growing the workforce that feeds Native nations.
From bison and horse ranching to culinary arts and equipment operating, we connect tribal members with training, apprenticeships, and jobs across Native food systems — work that carries culture forward one field, herd, and harvest at a time.
Traditional knowledge. Modern careers.
The Native American Food Systems Workforce Network builds career pathways at the intersection of food sovereignty and economic opportunity. We work alongside tribal colleges, extension programs, and Native-owned food enterprises to prepare people for the jobs already growing in Indian Country.
Food systems work has always been community work — tending herds, keeping seed, gathering, processing, feeding relatives. Our programs build on that foundation with the credentials, apprenticeships, and employer connections needed for full-time careers in agriculture, ranching, food processing, and nutrition.
What we coordinate
- ◆ Skills training aligned to real openings in tribal food enterprises
- ◆ Apprenticeships in ranching, farming, food processing, and equipment operating
- ◆ Job placement and employer matching across partner nations
- ◆ Technical assistance for tribes building food-sector jobs
- ◆ Elder and producer mentorship woven into every track
Eight ways into a food systems career
Ranching: Bison & Horses
Bison herd management and horsemanship — handling, range stewardship, and the working-ranch skills passed down through generations.
Traditional Agriculture
Corn, beans, and squash production rooted in tribal seed-keeping, paired with modern farm equipment and irrigation training.
Wild & Foraged Foods
Chokecherry, timpsula, and wild harvest enterprises — from sustainable gathering to small-batch food production.
Poultry & Small Livestock
Hands-on training for community and commercial poultry operations, a fast-growing entry point into food production.
Food Processing & Value-Add
Butchering, packaging, food safety certification, and the operations roles behind tribal food enterprises.
Culinary Arts
Professional kitchen skills built around traditional foods, from line cook fundamentals to menu development for tribal food enterprises.
Food Service & Nutrition
School and elder nutrition programs, food service management, and careers connecting traditional foods to community health.
Equipment Operating
Certification on tractors, harvesters, and heavy equipment that keeps tribal farms, ranches, and processing facilities running.
One network, four steps to a career
Connect
Meet with a workforce navigator to map your interests to a pathway and nearby training options.
Train
Enroll in short-term certifications or tribal college coursework, often paid and delivered close to home.
Apprentice
Get hands-on experience with a partner ranch, farm, processor, or food program while you earn.
Advance
Move into full-time work with a hiring partner, with continued mentorship as you grow in the role.
“Feeding our people was never just a job — it was a responsibility. This network makes it a career too.”Network Participant, Northern Plains Region
Start a career in Native food systems
Tell us about your interests and location, and a navigator will connect you with training and apprenticeship openings in your region.
Find TrainingBuild your food sector workforce
Partner with us to access apprentices, training curricula, and technical assistance for growing your tribal food enterprise.
Become a Partner