The University of Minnesota is a land-grant university that was built within tribal lands and is committed to rebuilding trust with tribal nations.
Extension works with Tribal leaders and University leaders, like Tadd Johnson, senior director of American Indian Tribal Nations Relations, to design relevant education. In May 2021, President Joan Gabel appointed Karen Diver as the senior advisor to the president for Native American Affairs, working closely with the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity.
Extension’s Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network is led by Fawn Sampson, American Indian Leadership and Civic Engagement liaison.
Sampson starts conversations across Minnesota — food sovereignty is one example. “We ask ‘what does leadership look like in food systems where we live?’” says Sampson.
These conversations, both in person and virtual, attract tribal economic development professionals, entrepreneurs, tribal college leaders and small-business service providers.
Visit Extension's Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network or find the MILN Facebook page.