Food systems study: Exploring the local food economy of the Oglála Lakhóta Oyáte

Makoce Agriculture Development

Makoce Agriculture Development is a Native nonprofit on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation focused on developing a community-led food system grounded in Indigenous values and regenerative agricultural practices. Its focus is creating healthy communities, economies, and homelands for its people.

• Project purpose

  This project aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of the Oglála Lakhóta food economy and identify practical opportunities to strengthen local food production, markets, infrastructure, and food sovereignty across the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

• Objectives

  • Develop a clear understanding of current food market demand and supply.

  • Identify ways to increase access to healthier, local food products in the region.

  • Provide strategies to align Makoce’s core initiatives.

  • Assess new market opportunities for Native ranching and farming operations to serve local and regional markets.

• Outcomes

  The study became an early roadmap for Makoce’s growth into a comprehensive Indigenous food systems organization, helping inform the interconnected approach it now carries forward through regenerative production, producer education, processing and aggregation infrastructure, market development, policy and advocacy, and its planned Food Hub. Makoce has since secured significant investment to build this vision, including a $2.5 million Community Innovation Grant supporting five core food systems initiatives. The research has also had regional value beyond Makoce, informing at least three subsequent food systems feasibility studies with related partners and providing a foundation for continued research, investment, and food systems development across the region.

• Timeline

  Sept 2022–Dec 2023

• Project team

  Michael Brydge — Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, advisory council development, data collection and analysis, literature review, and report writing

  Mairi Creedon — Data collection and analysis, client communication, literature review, and report writing

  Julianna Smith — Graphic and layout design, creative direction, and data visualization

“It is always a great experience working with Michael and his whole team. I truly appreciate the communication, in-depth research, and collaboration.” —AJ Granelli, Makoce Agriculture Development

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