June 7, 2025 – June 29, 2025

Indigenous Food Sovereignty Emerging Leaders Program (IFSELP)
June 7– 29, 2025

About IFSELP

IFSELP is a unique, fully funded, three-week summer program designed to create opportunities for students across Turtle Island (the United States of America) to explore Indigenous food systems, sustainability, and public health services through hands-on activities, education, and research.

Historically, Indigenous peoples have suffered from severe health disparities due to systemic oppression, mistreatment, trauma, racism, and exclusion from policy decisions and research. The loss of traditional diets and knowledge has led to food insecurity, which contributes to ongoing public health challenges. IFSELP seeks to address these issues by fostering partnerships with tribal organizations and institutions, including tribal colleges, universities, and technical colleges, to enhance culturally appropriate public health services focused on Indigenous food sovereignty.

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Emerging Leaders Program (IFSELP) was established in 2023 by the NDSU American Indian Public Health Resource Center with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Tribal Relations.

What IFSELP Offers

• Culturally grounded education on preserving Indigenous food systems, traditions, and knowledge.
• Tours of tribal communities, including Tribal Colleges and Universities and organizations, to explore community-led food sovereignty and public health efforts.
• Exposure to Indigenous Food Sovereignty initiatives, showcasing projects led by and for Indigenous Peoples.
• Personalized education and career planning, where each student will identify and address an Indigenous food sovereignty-related challenge in their community and present their findings at the end of the program.
• Hands-on learning experiences, including foraging for plants and medicines, harvesting wildlife, practicing food preservation techniques, and exploring traditional food ways.
• Networking opportunities, where students will connect with Tribal leaders, researchers, and professionals to gain real-world experience in food sovereignty, sustainability, and public health.

Program Highlights

• Dinner at Owamni
• Foraging and cooking with Linda and Luke Black Elk
• Explore the Indigenous Food Lab and NATIFS
• Participate in a Buffalo Harvest
• Travel to Tribal Communities in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Program Details

• Location: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
• Dates: June 7, 2025 – June 29, 2025
• Eligibility: Students aged 18-24 who have received a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent by June 2025. High school seniors graduating by June 2025 and turning 18 by June 7, 2025, are also eligible to apply.
• Capacity: Up to 25 students will be selected.
• Benefits: Students will receive a stipend upon completion of the program, along with all travel expenses, meals, and transportation covered. Room and board will be provided at NDSU dorms to offer a university campus experience.

Application Information

• Deadline: March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST
• Notification: Applicants will be notified of their selection on May 1, 2025.

Apply Now

Additional Resources

For more information, watch the IFSELP Q&A Webinar Recording from March 17, 2025.

• Webinar Recording (link coming soon)

Join us on this educational journey and become part of the next generation of leaders dedicated to Indigenous Food Sovereignty!

Help Spread the Word!

Share the IFSELP flyer and brochure with family members, friends, and students that you think might be interested!