Restoring our sacred connection to food 

Food is fundamental to the health and well-being of the Siċaŋġu people. Food is how we celebrate each other and show our care. Food helps us heal and grow. Food connects us—to family, community, ourselves, the earth, and to our Source. 

The ability to produce our own food and nourish physically, spiritually, and mentally healthy people is essential in building a strong and sovereign tribal nation.

The Siċaŋġu Food Sovereignty Initiative, 2019 winner of a prestigious international food system vision prize, is a community-based effort to Indigenize our food system and build wicozani (the good way of life) for the Siċaŋġu people—now, and for future generations. 

From Seed Sovereignty, to Keya Wakpala Farms, farmer & rancher education, the Siċaŋġu Harvest Market, and health & cooking classes, we are transforming and revitalizing Siċaŋġu Lakota foodways.

The Local Foods Capacity Program

The Local Foods Capacity Program aims to empower and support small-scale food producers by providing substantial financial assistance, training, and resources to enhance their production capacity and contribute to local food systems. This program will focus on investing in local food producers who are committed to increasing their production and improving their capacity to produce more food for the community.

 The goal is to increase local food production and strengthen food security by providing 8, $8,000 grants to small and mid-size farmers and ranchers, helping them scale production and provide food to local communities through sales and/or donations.

  • Improve local food security and sustainability.

  • Increase economic stability and success of small-scale food producers.

  • Enhance community engagement and empowerment in the local food sovereignty movement.

This is for any small-scale food producers with experience in gardening, livestock, beekeeping, foraging, perennial food production, or seed keeping/starter plants. 

Apply Here

Waičaȟya Ičaǧapi Kte Internship Program

The Waičaȟya Ičaǧapi Kte (WIK) Internship Program is an 8 month paid internship program that offers hands on knowledge and support for relatives on the Rosebud Reservation who would like to learn about food production and how to increase self-sufficiency.

This internship helps individuals learn how to:

  • grow and produce food to increase local food access on Rosebud

  • start their own business

  • supplement their income through food production

Our vision the WIK Internship is to educate and encourage community members in becoming local food producers, entrepreneurs, and mentors for the future of our food sovereignty on the reservation.

Apply Here

The Next Gen Summer Youth Workforce Program

The Next Gen Summer Youth Workforce Program is a summer internship program by the Sicangu Co Food Sovereignty Initiative designed to empower and inspire the next generation of food producer. The 6-week paid internship offers hands-on experiences, hands-on food skills such as canning and cooking, and leadership development trainings.

This opportunity is open to 18- 24 years of age, living within the boundaries of the Rosebud Reservation. Applicants must

1) be able to commit to working 20 hours per week from May 5-June 13, and

2) believe in Sicangu Co's mission of creating a better world for future generations.

Applications close on February 21, 2025

Apply Here

Tribally Supported Agriculture Subscriptions

We will again be offering a 10-week subscription that will provide fresh, local, and Indigenous produce and lightly processed foods to families.

For families:

Stay tuned for more information about how to apply and for information about our sliding scale cost.

For supporters:

We are able to offer subsidies to deserving families through generous donations. Please considering helping us sustain this offering by making a donation using the Donation form on this page.

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