The Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) is partnering with the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) to create a curriculum and training to empower Tribes and individual members with the education and resources to start cooperatives or improve existing cooperatives in Indian Country. The training is also available to entities that want to expand their knowledge of working with Tribal cooperatives and communities.

Applications to participate in cooperative development training for Native communities are open until August 5.

In August of 2021, the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), and the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) hosted a conference on enhancing Native American food systems through cooperatives. The program included:

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• USDA's Obligation to Native American Agriculture

• Vision for Rebuilding Native American Food and Agriculture Infrastructure

• Power, Reach, and Potential of Cooperatives

• Making a Cooperative Vision Real: Cooperatives in First Nation's Canada

• The Legal Framework for Agriculture Cooperatives in Indian Country

• The Promise of Cooperatives in Creating Sustainable Food Systems

• Lessons Learned: Developing Sustainable Food Systems

• Shared Values: Indigenous People and Cooperatives

• Common Challenges in Cooperatives

• Unlocking Development Capital

• Meeting Community Needs: Cooperatives in Action