FORT TOTTEN – The Spirit Lake Tribe, in collaboration with Cankdeska Cikana Community College and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has announced its Community Conservation & Food Sovereignty Outreach Day, taking place at the college auditorium on Monday, April 28.

The event will bring together community members, local organizations, tribal leadership, and educational partners to foster stronger connections and promote the principles of conservation and food sovereignty.

Sessions begin at 10 a.m., with a lunch at noon. The afternoon sessions include discussions on conservation programs, local food production and collaborative efforts for the future. The afternoon also will feature presentations from federal entities such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The event wraps up between 3-4 p.m. with opportunities for guided tours of the college facilities and projects.

Following the outreach event, the Spirit Lake Tribe and college will continue to advance their conservation and food sovereignty initiatives. Several projects are in development.

– Food and Agriculture Nexus Team: A research project focused on building an off-grid greenhouse to sustain plants through the North Dakota winter.

– Nature Trail: Maintenance and enhancement of a mile-long nature trail that connects various ecosystems, offering educational opportunities and promoting conservation of native species.

– Community Garden: The college will continue to enrich community engagement through its 1.75-acre community garden, providing space for individuals to cultivate their gardening skills.

– Farmers Market: The Spirit Lake Mobile Farmers Market, which will seasonally connect local producers with the community while accepting SNAP benefits to ensure accessibility to fresh, locally grown produce

Past successful collaborations between the Spirit Lake Tribe and NRCS include projects such as windbreak establishment, orchard development, pasture management and water facilities for livestock.