American Indian Task Force
The University of Minnesota American Indian Task Force mission is to build institutional capacity and long term commitment to making a measurable difference in American Indian Communities.
The task force is composed of Extension faculty and staff, Tribal College representatives, and others.
Vision for the Task Force
- To increase the number and effectiveness of the ways in which Extension works with Native American populations and their governments in Minnesota.
- To make a measurable difference in relevant Extension program areas on the Reservations.
Goals and Outcomes for the Task Force
| Task Force Goal Area |
Recommended Tasks |
| Access and Representation |
Hiring of Native American staff and staffing work on reservations |
| Climate and Environment |
In-service training for those interested in working with Native American populations |
| Programs and Products |
- Exploring possibilities in 2-3 project areas
- Creating a publication on Native Americans similar to one Wisconsin does
- Support major resource generation effort
|
| Special Initiatives |
Innovative approach using task force and concrete goals and actions as a starting point |
AITF Outcomes to date
- Extension hired 5 new faculty to work with tribal and reservation communities.
- Offered a bus tour for faculty to visit the Red Lake Reservation to meet with folks in education, natural resources, economic development and health care.
- Offered training for Extension staff.
New Positions
University of Minnesota Extension Educators
Contact Information
Susan Beaulieu
4-H Youth Development, American Indian Programs
Extension Regional Office, Brainerd
Joe Courneya
4-H Youth Development, American Indian Programs
Extension Regional Office, Moorhead
Dawn Newman
American Indian and Tribal Partnerships Liaison
Extension Regional Office, Cloquet
Shirley Nordrum
Water Resource Management
Leech Lake Tribal College
David Wilsey
Natural Resource Management and Utilization
Extension Regional Office, Cloquet
