Local food market feasibility study for the Siċaŋġu Oyate
Siċaŋġu Co
As the economic engine of the Siċaŋġu Lak̇ota Nation in South Dakota, Siċaŋġu Co’s purpose is to improve the financial and social well-being of its tribal relatives. It is working towards Wicozani, or “the good way of life” for the Siċaŋġu Oyate—holistic health, economic self-sufficiency, cultural revitalization, sustainable housing, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and shared, lasting prosperity.
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The purpose of this study was to better understand community-driven ways to enhance food sovereignty for the Siċaŋġu Oyate through the cultivation of a local food market. Our role was to assess community food access needs and the feasibility of agricultural initiatives on the Rosebud Reservation.
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Determine market demand.
Provide ideas for integrating healthier food products in the community.
Identify new pathways for tribal producers.
Assess new market opportunities for tribal farming operations serving local and regional markets.
Provide actionable strategies to increase healthy food access in the next 1–3 years.
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We found that a local food and art marketplace (Siċaŋġu Harvest and Art Market) and small farm operations could address food insecurity and strengthen sovereignty in the community. Based on community input and research, incorporating agricultural production, processing, retail food and art sales, Lakota-specific commerce to support low-income families, and educational opportunities would increase food access and have local, regional, and national impact.
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Jan–Dec 2021
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Michael Brydge — Project supervisor, tool design, data collection and analysis, secondary research, financials, market analysis, environmental scan, and report writing
Mary Sienko — Data collection and analysis
Alyssa Camp — Data collection and analysis
