Yuhkíti nē: Our Land Stewardship Project

Maintaining food sovereignty among Afro-Indigenous and Indigenous communities in the Gulf South has become increasingly difficult due to a lack of land access, land loss, and climate change. According to a study by The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, between 2000 and 2010, 25% of American Indians and Alaska Natives consistently faced food insecurity, double the number of white Americans. This trend rose to 50% between 2010 and 2020, with this statistic still on the rise as modern agricultural systems combat the ever-changing landscape of climate change. The U.S. Department of The Interior Indian Affairs describes food sovereignty as the ability of communities to oversee the amount of food being produced while also being able to control the quality of production. Louisiana is losing coastal wetlands at an alarming rate due to climate change and coastal erosion, which deeply affects the Indigenous communities who live there and prevents them from overseeing and participating in how their food is produced as their ancestors did. The current agricultural farming methods we rely on have been proven to be extractive, exploitative, and not sustainable for our future. National Geographic notes that over 1.7 billion acres are used for agriculture but fail to incorporate sustainable food production models through technology, which fuels large-scale pollution and stress on the land. Among these factors, there is also a lack of food sovereignty education initiatives, causing a disconnect between Indigenous communities and their ancestral lands. I have seen firsthand the adverse effects this has had on my tribe, The Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Southwest Louisiana. Indigenous farming methods have been proven to combat these challenges, but much of our state’s land is no longer in the hands of the traditional stewards of the land. This motivated me to create a program that brings empowerment through food production and education to our tribe and the surrounding Indigenous communities of the Gulf Coast.

Yuhkíti nē: Our Land Stewardship Project seeks to address food and land sovereignty issues by implementing initiatives to preserve land while providing food solutions for the Indigenous communities of the Southwest Louisiana region. We strive to advance traditional agricultural farming methods supported by modern technology and AI. Our program will also provide education initiatives to propel Indigenous food and land sovereignty into the future while highlighting youth-tailored teaching initiatives. By creating food systems that align with nature, we empower local Indigenous communities to grow and produce food in a way that offsets greenhouse gas emissions by rejecting the traditional extractive agriculture farming system.

Yuhkíti nē aims to implement regenerative farming practices supported by AI to preserve land and enhance agricultural sustainability. The project will unfold in three stages:

1. Reconnecting to Ancestral Lands: By partnering with Royal Queen Farms, an Afro-Indigenous-owned farm, Royal Queen Farms, Yuhkíti nē will reconnect with the Atakapa-Ishak's ancestral lands. This partnership will facilitate the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into food production practices, empowering the tribe to positively influence their food-growing methods.

2. Restructuring Farming Practices: Yuhkíti nē will transition to regenerative farming models supported by AgTech programs. This includes the integration of soil moisture measurement sensors, aeroponic technology, and various irrigation systems to optimize water usage, increase crop longevity, and enhance sustainability.

3. Optimizing with AgTech: Leveraging AgTech tools like weather sensing technology, Yuhkíti nē will anticipate weather patterns to plan watering cycles effectively, aligning farming practices with the demands of nature. By combining ancestral knowledge with modern technology, the project aims to produce harvests sustainably and in harmony with traditional practices. By incorporating multiple data sensing programs like soil moisture measurement sensors by METER and SENSOTERRA, we will prevent excessive water usage in our farming methods. By utilizing aeroponic technology alongside traditional farming practices, we will increase the longevity of our harvest in all seasons and conditions while ensuring our food system’s sustainability, thus cutting back on energy and watering needs. We will also combat the overuse of water by using sprinkler, center-pivot, and drip irrigation systems. Finally, we will incorporate weather-sensing technology to anticipate rainfall and plan watering cycles that reflect the demands of nature. 

As the Deputy Chief of our tribe, I am committed to co-creating solutions with our community, ensuring that their voices shape our path toward food sovereignty and land access. We recognize the profound impact of land loss on our tribe, from the erosion of cultural practices to the loss of sacred connections to our ancestral territories. To combat these challenges, we are dedicated to facilitating community-led sessions that empower our members to contribute their knowledge and expertise.

Our approach is rooted in the understanding that reclaiming land is not just a political or economic endeavor but a deeply spiritual and cultural one. Drawing inspiration from Frank Pommersheim's insights, we acknowledge the intrinsic connection between Indigenous identity and the land. Through dialogue, storytelling, and collaborative visioning, we invite our community to share their lived experiences, aspirations, and traditional knowledge.

In these sessions, we leverage the collective wisdom of our tribal members, tapping into their diverse backgrounds and skills. Whether through workshops, focus groups, or participatory mapping exercises, we create spaces where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Together, we explore innovative ways to integrate AI technology with Indigenous practices, ensuring that our solutions are both sustainable and culturally relevant.

Central to our approach is the belief that healing and cultural revitalization go hand in hand with reclaiming our land. By fostering emotional well-being and resilience, we empower our community to envision a future where Indigenous sovereignty and stewardship thrive. Through this process of collective action and solidarity, we not only reclaim what was lost but also inspire hope and resilience in Indigenous communities worldwide. Together, we are building a future where our ancestral lands are once again a source of strength, sustenance, and belonging.

Our team lead, Deputy Chief Maaliyah Papillion of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Southwest Louisiana, embodies the spirit of our communities and serves as a vital conduit for their voices in our vision. With firsthand knowledge and experience, Deputy Chief Papillion provides invaluable insight into the pressing needs of one of the largest Gulf Coast tribes. Her leadership ensures that our program is meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we seek to serve.

Partnering with Royal Queen Farms, we secure both practical support and a shared commitment to our goals. Their expertise in regenerative farming systems not only enhances the effectiveness of our solution but also reflects our dedication to sustainable practices. By granting us access to land for deployment, Royal Queen Farms exemplifies the collaborative spirit essential to our success.

Furthermore, our collaboration with Dr. Tavina Lynn of STEMing signifies our holistic approach to community empowerment and education. Dr. Lynn's S.T.E.M.-based curriculum, rooted in cultural relevance and informed by her prestigious academic background, drives positive outcomes for Indigenous learners of all ages. By prioritizing culturally grounded educational opportunities and promoting mental and physical wellness services, we address the diverse needs of our community members.

In alignment with our commitment to community-driven initiatives, we advance digital sovereignty efforts within Indigenous communities. This includes ethical utilization of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics. By empowering communities to harness these tools responsibly, we ensure that they remain in control of their own narratives and futures.

Together, our team represents a collaborative effort to honor the wisdom and aspirations of the communities we serve. Through inclusive decision-making processes and meaningful partnerships, we strive to create lasting positive change that uplifts and empowers Indigenous peoples.

Yuhkíti nē: Our Land Stewardship Project is poised for success with a sturdy framework and detailed implementation plan in place. We've taken significant steps forward by securing essential partnerships with landowners, community advocates, and educational institutions. Now, as we enter the next phase, we're eager to secure the capital needed to fully realize our vision. With the integration of cutting-edge AgTech and AI programs, we're confident that our project will not only meet but exceed expectations, bringing tangible benefits to our community and beyond.

The Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Southwest Louisiana, despite our deep-rooted history in the region, lacks the state or federal recognition that provides essential protections and support. Consequently, we have been compelled to explore alternative avenues to fulfill our aspirations for self-sustainability, food sovereignty, and land stewardship. In applying to Solve, we aim to access vital in-kind and pro bono resources for our business and farming endeavors, as well as AgTech support to advance our agricultural initiatives. Additionally, we seek legal services to safeguard the success of our project, Yuhkíti nē. By participating in Solve, we hope to connect with fellow Indigenous innovators engaged in land preservation and restoration efforts worldwide. Furthermore, we are eager to establish an annual monitoring and evaluation framework to effectively measure our impact and enhance our practices over time.

Our team lead, Deputy Chief Maaliyah Papillion of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation, is exceptionally well-suited to lead our mission due to her extensive experience in community engagement with Afro-Indigenous and Indigenous communities. Her years of dedicated service have honed her skills in understanding and addressing the unique needs and aspirations of our people. As an experienced project manager, Deputy Chief Papillion has successfully led numerous initiatives, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver tangible results.

Currently pursuing her Masters of Legal Studies in Indigenous People's Law from the University of Oklahoma, Deputy Chief Papillion's commitment to ethical treatment and empowerment of Indigenous groups is unwavering. Her academic pursuits complement her practical experience, further enriching her understanding of the complex legal and ethical issues facing Indigenous communities.

As the second woman in the tribe's known history to undertake the role of Deputy Chief, Deputy Chief Papillion embodies resilience and determination. She approaches leadership with a deep sense of responsibility and a profound commitment to preserving and nurturing our ancestral lands. Through her visionary leadership, dedication to community well-being, and adept project management skills, Deputy Chief Papillion inspires confidence and trust among our team and stakeholders alike. With her at the helm, we are poised to achieve remarkable progress in our mission to promote land stewardship and cultural revitalization within our community.

Our solution represents a groundbreaking fusion of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with AI technology, revolutionizing food sovereignty efforts by streamlining crop care, water management, and adaptation to climate fluctuations in real-time. Crucially, we are not discarding the time-tested farming techniques of our ancestors; instead, we are augmenting them to ensure their continued effectiveness. This harmonious blend of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge technology creates a conducive environment for farming practices, empowering a broader community of individuals to engage in sustainable agriculture. By catalyzing this synergy between heritage and innovation, our solution has the potential to catalyze transformative impacts across the agricultural landscape, inspiring others to integrate traditional knowledge with modern advancements and fostering a paradigm shift toward more resilient and sustainable food production methods.

Yuhkíti nē: Our Land Stewardship Project is designed to bolster our community's food sovereignty by integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and mitigating regional CO2 emissions. Through the strategic implementation of TEK practices and the adoption of AI technology for optimized farming processes, we aim to achieve several interconnected outcomes.

Our activities will focus on incorporating TEK into farming practices, leveraging AI technology to streamline farming operations, and implementing automated data collection for informed decision-making. By doing so, we anticipate immediate outputs such as increased adoption of TEK in farming, enhanced efficiency in farming operations, and improved data collection capabilities.

In the short term, we expect to see reduced reliance on external inputs like fertilizers, leading to decreased CO2 emissions and improved crop health and soil fertility. Over the longer term, these efforts will contribute to greater food sovereignty within our community, enhanced environmental sustainability at the regional level, and increased community resilience to climate change impacts.

These expectations are supported by research demonstrating the efficacy of TEK in promoting agricultural sustainability, findings from evaluations of similar initiatives, and feedback gathered from members of our target population regarding the potential benefits of integrating TEK and AI technology into farming practices.

Yuhkíti nē: Our Land Stewardship aims to achieve transformative impacts on people's lives through the following goals:

1. By 2034, our program will have amassed a decade of data to inform our efforts, enabling us to pioneer science-informed indigenous farming practices. This will be measured by assessing the proportion of absence of technology support in farming systems, which currently leads to overuse of precious resources like water and energy.

2. By 2034, our program will have significantly expanded the natural ecosystem on our land project by stewarding native plant and tree species, as well as reintroducing species as needed to create and sustain a thriving environment. Progress towards this goal will be tracked by evaluating the proportion of native species loss due to climate change.

3. By 2034, our program will have established a self-sustaining food production system for our local Indigenous community. This will be assessed by monitoring the proportion of food scarcity among native groups and the lack of access to fresh, organic produce.

These impact goals are designed to measure progress towards our overarching mission of promoting food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. By achieving these goals, we aim to catalyze positive transformations in the lives of Indigenous communities, ensuring their access to healthy, culturally appropriate food sources and fostering a deeper connection to their ancestral lands.

Our solution is driven by a commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation while honoring and leveraging traditional knowledge systems and technologies. Our approach integrates ancestral farming techniques with modern AgTech (agricultural technology) to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable resource usage. Anchored by Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), we utilize advanced data sensing programs such as soil moisture measurement sensors from METER and SENSOTERRA to optimize water management in our farming practices. By combining aeroponic technology with traditional methods, we extend the lifespan of our harvests across all seasons, reducing energy and water requirements while ensuring the sustainability of our food system. We further mitigate water overuse by implementing sprinkler, center-pivot, and drip irrigation systems. Additionally, we employ weather sensing technology to anticipate rainfall patterns and adjust watering cycles accordingly, aligning our practices with the natural rhythms of the environment. Through this innovative integration of modern and ancestral technologies, we strive to pioneer solutions that address pressing global challenges while respecting and preserving traditional wisdom.

Southwest Louisiana

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We have six full-time staff members and two part-time staff members. 

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At Yuhkiti nē: Our Land Stewardship Project, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion while advancing Indigenous food sovereignty and bolstering climate resilience through innovative AI farming technology.

We recognize the inherent value of Indigenous knowledge and traditions in sustainable agriculture and are dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives within our organization.

Through inclusive hiring practices, partnerships with Indigenous communities, and the respectful integration of technology, we strive to create opportunities that empower Indigenous peoples and foster environmental stewardship.

By prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion, we aim to not only cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce but also contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous food systems and the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices. Together, we are building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for all. 

Our business model centers around addressing food scarcity within Indigenous populations through sustainable farming practices. We leverage innovative agricultural technologies, including AI farming solutions, to increase food production while respecting and integrating Indigenous knowledge and traditions, while providing vital access to land. 

Our impact lies in empowering Indigenous communities to achieve food sovereignty, ensuring access to nutritious, culturally relevant food sources, and promoting environmental sustainability. By partnering directly with Indigenous farmers and communities, we facilitate knowledge exchange, provide training and resources, and support the implementation of climate-resilient farming practices.

In terms of revenue, we operate on a socially responsible business model that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Revenue streams include the sale of agricultural products, technology licensing, consulting services, and strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.

By aligning our business objectives with social impact goals, we create value not only for our shareholders but also for the Indigenous populations we serve, fostering economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and community resilience

We have developed a comprehensive strategy to raise the necessary capital to support our mission of advancing the Afro-Indigenous and Indigenous community's food sovereignty through AI farming technology. Our approach focuses on leveraging a combination of sustained donations, grants, service contracts with governments, and investment capital, particularly at the concept stage.

1. Sustained Donations and Grants: We actively seek donations and grants from foundations, philanthropic organizations, and individuals who share our commitment to Indigenous food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. These funds enable us to conduct research, develop technology, and provide training and resources to Indigenous communities.

2. Service Contracts with Governments: We offer consulting services, technology licensing, and project implementation support to governments and public institutions seeking to enhance food security and sustainability. By entering into service contracts, we generate revenue while simultaneously advancing our mission and impact.

3. Raising Investment Capital at the Concept Stage: At the concept stage, we seek investment capital from impact investors, venture capitalists, and strategic partners who recognize the market potential and social impact of our innovative approach. This early-stage funding allows us to develop and scale our technology, build strategic partnerships, and establish a strong foundation for growth.

By emphasizing our company's success in supporting Indigenous food sovereignty, we demonstrate to investors and stakeholders our ability to deliver both financial returns and positive social outcomes. Through a diversified funding approach and a clear focus on impact, we are well-positioned to secure the resources needed to drive meaningful change and create lasting value for Indigenous communities.