Soil Resource Assessment and Interpretations for Minnesota Landscapes

Principal Investigator: S. Dahlberg, White Earth Tribal and Community College

Project Description: 

Essentially all of the organizations working with youth and families on the White Earth Reservation see the benefit of using such media as traditional foods, skills, and outdoor activities as a means for engaging their clients/participants. Many have collaborated with WETCC in the past. Others have seen the results of these efforts and wish to provide such opportunities to their clients. All understand the importance of addressing both the nutrition and activity levels of youth on the Reservation in response to the epidemic of diabetes, obesity, and other health issues. In addition, all see the potential for improving academic performance by engaging youth in traditional activities that connect back to science and other academic subjects. Both WETCC and UMN have a long history of success with this model. However, the need is always greater than what has been accomplished. In particular, this project is designed to move beyond an event-based model of camps and summer schools to one that includes year-round, regular engagement with the target populations. Experience has shown that this ongoing engagement is one of the most important factors for success in working with at-risk youth.

Project Years: 2011-2015

Funding Source: National Institute of Food and Agriculture