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Community Information

Name

AICHO

Location

St Louis

Outcome

Teen

Geographical Type

Rural/small town

Organizations

1

Market Statement

The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) is a Native-led, private non- profit created as an Indigenous response to social conditions in Duluth, MN, powered by the urban Native American community. They are changing the narrative of Native American community, by asserting political and cultural ties to the land.

Program Implementation

In September of 2024 we hosted the manoomin (wild rice) harvest camp at Moose Horn River landing in Moose Lake, MN. This event was a partnership between AICHO, 1854 Treaty Authority, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Indigenous Health, and Thirteen Moons Tribal Extension. Here is a link to a video of the Sept 2024 Manoomin camp event ( https://vimeo.com/1008502292/67ad110c4e?share=copy ). We had 89 community members and families take part in this day of wild rice harvest and processing demonstration. In addition of the sharing the importance of manoomin and proper harvest and finishing techniques, there were also demonstrations on how to make harvesting tools such as cedar knockers, and push poles. The AICHO CYFAR site set up an art station for community members to draw their experiences of the day. Video and photos included The AICHO site engaged five Native American CYFAR Youth Mentors and other participants from the Giinawiind youth group in reoccurring gardening activities in collaboration with the FDL Agriculture Department at the Gitigaan Site. The Giinawiind youth group, led by 5 Cyfar youth mentors gained hands-on experience in sustainable food production, Tribal food Sovereignty, and Traditional knowledge by growing Ojibwe Heirloom corn using the traditional Three Sisters method. While monitoring Heirloom corns growth and by recording weather data, the CYFAR youth group was able to spend the summer learning about ecological and environmental factors and how it affects food systems. Also, while at the gitigaan farm youth were able to spend time with local elders on site to learn more traditional agricultural practices and participate in the passing of knowledge. photos included Giinawiind youth made an incredible film!!! Amazing talent. Kayla Jackson ( Food sovereignty Director) and Elena Steel (Garden coordinator) organized a super celebration event for a film showing that the aicho Giinawind and CYFAR youth worked on for over a year to interview elders and then create a powerful movie about stories of resilience, traditional wisdom, and teachings.

Community Integration

AICHO CYFAR Youth were active in many culturally significant events. During manoomin harvest camp, the youth not only participated in traditional manoomin harvests and practices like push pole making, rice knocker making, winnowing wild rice and parching wild rice, but also led an art project that reflected the community’s connection to the Manoomin harvest. CYFAR Youth activity outreach extended to key community events such as the 13 Moons Pow Wow, FDLTCC Native Wellness Gathering, and local farmers’ markets, where CYFAR Youth shared knowledge about their experiences with food sovereignty and Indigenous agriculture. Additionally, the youth participated in a community ceremony at the site of the Sandy Lake Massacre building cultural continuity by retracing their ancestors' canoe path alongside tribal community members. CYFAR Youth Mentors also visited the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Center of American Indian and Minority Health. Where the youth really absorbed the exposure to academic pathways presented by having social time to talk with Indigenous Scholars and academic professionals. “Witnessing this impression on the youth was empowering ya know, the kids don’t get to see so many Natives in a good place, you could see their cultural connection & identity grow stronger in a good way” said AICHO’s food sovereignty Director.

Technology Integration

incomplete

Sustaining

To sustain programming in the future, the CYFAR program will continue strengthening partnerships, expanding educational opportunities, and creating consistent engagement through cultural and agricultural initiatives. With the establishment of a half-acre garden plot at the Gitigaaning site alongside the Duluth urban garden, Giinawiind led by CYFAR youth Mentors will have opportunities to participate in food sovereignty education, sustainable agriculture, and tribal ecological knowledge practices. These spaces will not only provide hands-on learning but create pathways for Indigenous youth to engage in economic aspects of food sovereignty and exploring food system sustainability. Key cultural events, such as Manoomin Camp, Sugar Bush, and the Gitigaan Farm Harvest, will remain central to programming, Boosting the passing of intergenerational knowledge and community engagement. Additionally, the Baaga'adowewin games will continue to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and Indigenous cultural identity. Partnerships with organizations like AICHO, 1854 Treaty Authority, John Hopkins Center of Indigenous Health, and the Fond du Lac Band’s Agriculture Division will ensure a strong collaboration for many years to come. Academic outreach, like visits to the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Center of American

Form A - Age Group by Ethnicity and Race

	Pre-K	K-6	Youth (Grades 7-12)	Parents
Total Participants	0	0	5	0
Ethnicity
Hispanic or Latino	0	0	0	0
Not Hispanic or Latino	0	0	0	0
Race
White	0	0	1	0
Black or African-American	0	0	0	0
American Indian or Alaska Native	0	0	4	0
Asian	0	0	0	0
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0	0	0	0
Persons indicating more than one race	0	0	0	0

Form B - Poverty Risk Factor

Total Number of Children Pre K: 0

Percent in Poverty: 0.00%

Total Number of Children K - 6: 0

Percent in Poverty: 0.00%

Total Number Youth Grade 7 - 12: 5

Percent in Poverty: 100.00%

Form C - Staff and Volunteers by Ethnicity/Race

	Extension Staff (FTE's)	Other Paid CYFAR Project Staff (FTE's)	Youth Volunteers	Adult Volunteers
Total Participants	0.15	0.00	0.00	0.00
Ethnicity
Hispanic or Latino	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Not Hispanic or Latino	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Race
White	1.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Black or African-American	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
American Indian or Alaska Native	1.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Asian	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Persons indicating more than one race	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00

Approximate hours contributed by Adult Volunteers: 280.00

Approximate hours contributed by Youth Volunteers:456.00

Form D - Computers and Technology

Computers at all sites funded through sources other than CYFAR: 0

Form E - Youth Delivery Methods and Program Contents

Form F - Adult Delivery Methods and Program Contents

Form G - 4-H Clubs

Total Number of Clubs: 0

Total Number of Children K - 6: 0

Total Number of Youth Grades 7 - 12: 0

Total Number of Youth Volunteers 0

Total Number of Adult Volunteers 0