UNDER-SERVED AND UNDER-REPRESENTED AUDIENCES

A major under-served and under-represented audience in North Dakota is Native Americans, and increased emphasis is being given to work more closely with this group, especially those living on the four Indian Reservations. Two reservations are staffed with full-time agricultural agents and full-time youth agents. The other two reservations are served by the extension agents in the county in which the reservation lies. Both of these extension offices have specific programs directed towards Native American audiences. Extension programs include expanded educational efforts with Native American farmers both in crop and livestock production, as well as targeted youth programming and family and nutrition programming. For example, at least two reservations are involved with raising Buffalo, and NDSU livestock specialists are working with those producers. An NDSU irrigation specialist is working with four of the Native American 1994 Land Grant Colleges on programs involved with utilization of native plants, plant diversity and gardens for self sufficiency. The NDSU Extension Service participates in a yearly meeting with the reservations to discuss how USDA services can better serve the Native American audiences living on the reservations. Many nutrition programs focus on both Native American and low income families. These programs provide education on selecting and preparing nutritious meals on a limited budget. Diabetes is a major problem with Native Americans. A major program focuses on the reduction of the incidence of diabetes through diet and exercise and the reduction of the debilitating effects of the disease by proper diagnosis and treatment. This program has been designed in cooperation with the reservation tribal councils, Indian Health Service, the State Department of Public Health, the Center for Disease Control, Head Start, the American Diabetes Association, the Tribal Colleges, NDSU Food and Nutrition Department, and the reservation elementary schools.

A major youth program on one reservation focuses on community gardening to improve food resources, increase knowledge about food choices, and promote health eating by including more fruits and vegetables in the diet. This program is supported by resources from other community agencies, including resources from the Three Affiliated Tribes at Ft. Berthold, and the National Gardening Association. There was volunteer support from 12 people. Over 100 different community members, including stakeholders and decision makers, were invited to the garden and enjoyed a meal from its produce and guided tours from the gardeners.