Over 40% of the dakota population resides in rural areas, with agriculture being the cornerstone of their livelihood, employing one in four people

Despite this, isolated native american and rural communities face increasing challenges in food security and sovereignty due to historical exclusion and the prevalence of food deserts. Concurrently, north dakota has seen a steady rise in small farm landowners, drawn by the region's landscape, nature, and rural lifestyle, eager to engage in local foods and value-added opportunities. Ndsu extension plays a pivotal role in supporting underserved farmers and ranchers through various initiatives and partnerships. Current multidisciplinary efforts focus on aiding indigenous farmers, ranchers, and producers with less than 50 acres in production. In 2020, a tribal liaison was appointed as a goal to forge collaborative relationships with north dakota tribal colleges and reservation communities. This collaboration opportunity addresses local agricultural challenges and diverse initiatives to serve rural farmers and the communities in which they live. As ndsu extension continues to strengthen their relationships, tribal college partners and indigenous producers are connecting with the tribal liaison and the local extension agents working to address food security and sovereignty issues through increased agricultural production. Nueta hidatsa sahnish college (NHSC) is one of five 1994 land-grant tribal colleges in north dakota. Serving the mandan hidatsa arikara nation, NHSC, in collaboration with ndsu extension, provides agricultural education and expands outreach to local students and community members. NHSC partners with ndsu extension to reach and explore new efforts through needs assessments to support and educate fort berthold youth and agriculture producers. These efforts I nclude education and resources to improve food security, food sovereignty, cultural preservation in youth populations using storytelling, engaging in cultural gardening techniques, production of local foods, research in juneberry production, and regenerative agric ulture/soil health principles. Ndsu extension partners with NHSC on these programs through the placement of personnel with an emphasis on youth development, horticulture, nutrition and local foods. Ndsu extension extends its reach to the turtle mountain, spirit lake, fort berthold, and standing rock reservations, offering personnel with expertise in diverse areas. These areas include unique research topics, meaningful learning experiences, in addition to education on soil health, and weed and pest management to local farmers and ranchers. Through these valuable partnerships with the local tribal colleges, the soil conservation services and county weed boards, these initiatives integrated into teaching at the tribal college elevate traditional and regenerative practices fostering holistic, sustainable ecosystems that focus on cultural traditions to honor the land, animals, plants and diverse life cycles. Additionally, a small farms team supports small farmers by connecting them with resources for production, conservation, safety and value-added programs. These activities, delivered through seminars, publications, and media in coordination with tribal and other small farm partners, aim to enhance food security and create environmentally economically sustainable food systems on small acreages. A few of the educational programs include local foods, horticulture, weed management, soil health, conservation tillage and no-till practic ES, livestock integration, efficient manure and nitrogen management practices, cover crops, and cropping systems and livestock practices that assist small farmers and increase productivity. The long-term outcome of these initiatives is to foster resilient food pro duction systems that empower native american and rural communities, ensuring both environmental sustainability and increasing food security.