Tribal Agriculture Fellows
We are Building the Future of Native Agriculture By Supporting Tribal Students
2022 TAF FELLOWS
Marquel Begay (Dine’ [Navajo])
Level: Graduate
Nicole Benally (Navajo)
Level: Graduate
Major: Forest & Conservation Sciences
Focus within major: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Career goal: To serve Indigenous people by connecting them to resources that integrate contemporary community lifestyles with preserving their culture, food, language, and ecological knowledge.
Maddylon Burris (Chickasaw)
Level: CTE
College: Redlands Community College
Major: Agriculture Education
Focus within major: Teaching Agriculture Education
Career goal: Receive Associate in Agriculture Education from Redlands Community College; finish bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University; teach Agriculture Education in public schools to focus on Native American students’ involvement in agriculture.
Carson Capps (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)
Level: Undergrad
University: Oklahoma State University
Major: Agribusiness
Focus within major: Pre-Law
Career goal: After graduating from Oklahoma State University, I plan to attend law school specializing in Indigenous Peoples Law. I intend to use my education and advocate for agriculture and Native American communities in my home state of Oklahoma.
Jaelyn Dove (Lumbee)
Level: Undergrad
University: North Carolina State University
Major: Animal Science
Focus within major: Veterinary Bio-Sciences
Career goal: To finish my animal science degree and complete veterinary school. Then I will return to rural North Carolina to practice veterinary medicine in the Robeson/Bladen counties.
Henry Hainzinger (Osage)
Level: CTE
University: Oklahoma State University-Institute of Technology
Major: Truck Technician
Focus within major: Diesel Mechanic
Career goal: I plan to graduate, work for someone else for 2-3 years, and then build my shop in Osage County. I would eventually like to run my shop while still being able to help on the family ranch.
Gina McGuire (ʻŌiwi [Native Hawaiian])
Level: Grad
University: University of Hawai’i
Major: Geography & Environment
Focus within major: Indigenous Geographies of Wellness
Career goal: To start and operate a non-profit organization focused on restoring Hawaiʻi’s traditional foods and Native forest systems.
Santana Nez (Navajo)
Level: Grad
University: University of Arizona
Major: DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Focus within major: Mixed Animal / Food; Animal Medicine
Career goal: To provide animal medicine services on rural Tribal and non-Tribal lands.
Justina Slim (Navajo)
Level: Undergrad
University: Colorado State University
Major: Animal Science & Agriculture Business
Focus within major: Bovine Reproduction and Genetics
Career goal: I would like to work for forward-thinking companies like Select Sires and ABS Global to aid producers so they can make genetically informed decisions that will improve beef products within their herds.
Brendan Walker (Navajo)
Level: Grad
University: University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Major: DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Focus within major: Large Animal Medicine
Career goal: To practice as a mixed animal veterinarian on Tribal lands.
2023 TAF FELLOWS
Kirsten Begay- (Diné [Navajo])
My name is Kirsten Begay; I am a Diné citizen. I am a junior transferring from Diné College to the University of Arizona, majoring in veterinary sciences. I am a hardworking, animal-loving student who hopes to return the knowledge I gain to my community and reservation. I wish to make veterinary medicine more accessible to my community and to educate the next generation of agriculture in the Navajo Nation. I look forward to the opportunities that await me as a fellow!
Greta Gustafson – (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara)
My name is Greta Gustafson, and I am a proud member of the Three Affiliated Tribes: Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. I grew up in the heart of the Amskapipikuni lands on the Two Medicine River (Naa-to-ko-ka-tsi). Growing up on the family cattle ranch has allowed me to be surrounded by our animal brothers and sisters my entire life. This upbringing created a deeply rooted love and appreciation for all that the creatures of this world provide. I followed this passion by obtaining my undergraduate degree in Microbiology from Montana State University and enrolling in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. I am currently a fourth-year student at WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. I am passionate about serving the wonderful animals of this earth and their people. My goal is to return home, provide much-needed veterinary services to my community, and help build our relationships with our beloved animal companions.
Keona Mason – (Kickapoo)
My name is Keona Mason, I’m from Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and I am a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. I am an Oklahoma State University agricultural communication major and active in OSU Collegiate 4-H, Swine Club, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. My main relation to agriculture is raising and showing pigs. I am passionate about the pork industry and still raise pigs with my swine operation, 2S show pigs, for members to start their agricultural projects and donate pork to local food pantries. Working pig shows has been a humbling and rewarding experience because I love giving back to the industry that raised me. In Oct. 2021, I received my American Farmer Degree. I hope to serve in a career where I can advocate for Oklahoma youth agriculture programs and Native American agriculturalists. I’m excited to serve as a Tribal Agriculture Fellow.
Jonathan Romero – (Pueblo of Jemez)
Jonathan Romero is a Range Program Manager for the Pueblo of Jemez- Natural Resources Department. In addition, he serves as a County Committee member for USDA- Farm Service Agency. Jonathan works to enhance tribal rangelands, provides leadership, and assists in extension-like services to tribal producers in Agriculture. Other interests include beef cattle management and wildlife management. Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of New Mexico and is currently enrolled at West Texas A&M University in the Master of Agriculture Program. Jonathan is very active in his community and participates in traditional community events. Upon a tribal appointment, he served as a Lt. Governor for his community in 2017. He is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, the Intertribal Ag Council, and Society for Range Management.
Peter Thais – (Saint Regis Mohawk)
Peter is a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe on the Akwesasne Indian Reservation and is pursuing a Biological Engineering degree in the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. Peter is an active member of the Indigenous community at Cornell, where he is on the executive board of the Native American and Indigenous Student organization, works as an ambassador for the Indigenous Studies Program, is President of the Cornell Chapter of AISES, and is on Hall Council at the Akwe:kon Native American Program House. Peter was recently elected as a National Representative to the Board of Directors of the American Indian Sciences and Engineering Society (AISES).
Bailey Tom – (Diné [Navajo])
My name is Bailey Lasalle Tom. My tribal affiliation is Diné (Navajo). I graduated from New Mexico State University spring of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and agriculture economics. I will attend the Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship this coming summer and fall. After completing the internship, I plan to continue my education at Texas A&M University, pursuing a master’s in agriculture business. In the future, I would love to produce nutritional beef while enhancing Native beef production. Potentially open a meat processing plant on the Navajo Nation that will serve the reservation and the region. At some point in my life, I would love to become a teacher to inspire young individuals to be in agriculture.
Matea Whittington (Choctaw-Apache Tribe)
“We will be known forever by the tracks we leave”- Dakota proverb.
I’m Matea Whittington, a 2023 honor graduate of Zwolle High School, with my faith, family, friends, heritage & love for agriculture. I have had the honor of being an active member of my community & tribe. 9 years enrolled in 4-H & 2 years in FFA have opened the doors for several agriculture opportunities. This year I’ve been honored to serve as a Northwest Louisiana Agriculture Ambassador, ZHS 4-H Club President, Sabine Parish 4-H Jr. Leader President & 2022-2023 Miss Sabine Parish 4-H. I am a member of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, where I serve as the Sr. Tribal Princess & Chairman of the Rising Sun Youth Group. I am a St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Youth Group member and serve on the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council. For nine years, I’ve been a part of Girl Scouts, and I’ve been able to work hands-on and interact even more in my community. These organizations have taught me many life lessons & skills, and I’ve made life-long relationships. I will attend Southern Arkansas University in the fall, majoring in Agriculture Education. After graduation, I aim to work for the Intertribal Agriculture Council & the USDA.
Cynthia Wilson – (Diné [Navajo])
Cynthia Wilson is a tribal member of the Navajo Nation, born and raised in Monument Valley, UT. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Utah and is a first-year Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Her research interests include indigenous food, water, land, ontological environmentalism, and indigenous political ecology in social science. She is also a Castanea Fellow among community food justice leaders and a Native and Indigenous Rights Fellow for the Harvard Divinity School.
2024 TAF FELLOWS
Trey Blackhawk (WinnebagoTtribe)
“Trey is first and foremost a husband and a father to three children. He is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and is currently the Farm Manager for the Winnebago Tribal Farm, specializing in fruit and vegetable production. Trey is pursuing a degree in Applied Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a former student ambassador for the American Indian College Fund, USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program recipient and intern, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers apprentice with the First Nations Development Institute, and a UNL Changemaker recipient. He also serves on the Food Sovereignty Taskforce and the Wildlife & Parks Commission for the Winnebago Tribe. In his free time, he forages, hunts and fishes, but you can find him spending most of his time at home with his family enjoying the outdoors.”
Kyle Chavis (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina)
My name is Kyle Chavis and I am a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and a minor in Animal Science. I will start my master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education in August 2024. I currently work as a high school agricultural teacher, teaching horticulture and an introductory agricultural science course. I also serve as an advisor for the FFA Chapter. I hope to continue teaching high school agriculture and making a positive impact on the lives of my students. I am honored to be a part of the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, and I look forward to strengthening my abilities and learning new ways to teach and motivate my students in the field of agriculture.
Sydney Ivey (Coharie Tribe)
My name is Sydney Ivey, and I am a proud member of the Coharie Tribe. I was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I am an undergraduate at North Carolina State University majoring in Agricultural Business Management with a minor in Agricultural Entrepreneurship. I am passionate about advocating for the agricultural industry and teaching others its importance. I have always been interested in learning and sharing my history with others. I think it’s important to recognize the impact Native Americans have in the agricultural industry. I aim to work in the industry and inspire others to do the same. I want to help recognize the Native Americans in the industry and the ones who laid the foundations for us today.
Kristy Kinlicheenie (Navajo)
Ya’ah’teeh, my name is Kristy Kinlicheenie, and I am part of the Navajo tribe from Northern Arizona. I am Honaghaahnii, born in Tlogi; my maternal grandfather is Tlizilani, and my paternal grandfather is Ta’neeszahnii. I am from Hunters Point, Arizona, where I reside with my husband Korwin and our two sons Kasen and Taylor. I have had the privilege of working with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension since 2016. My primary focus within extension is agriculture, the 4-H program, and other youth development areas. I started my educational career at a tribal college called Navajo Technical University, where I obtained an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2012. After, I received a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Colorado State University in 2015. Recently, I received my Master of Science in Agriculture Extension Education from the University of Arizona in 2021. I am pursuing my doctoral degree at Texas Tech University, focusing on agriculture education. I have a passion for teaching within our Native communities about everything involving extension, which includes 4-H, gardening, agriculture education, livestock education, and higher education. My goal is to give Native American youth and communities the opportunity and confidence to seek higher education and apply knowledge learned to improve their agriculture endeavors.
Bree Lameman (Diné from Shiprock, Navajo Nation)
My name is Breanna Lameman. I am a first-year PhD student at the University of Arizona in the health behaviors health promotion program with a focus in Indigenous food, water, & energy systems. I am Diné from Shiprock, Navajo Nation. My life’s work and passion are grounded in the land, family values, Diné cultural teachings and the language, and life experience. I grew up caring for the land at a young age by reclaiming and revitalizing traditional agricultural techniques, ultimately leading to a relationship with food and our ancestral foodways. With that relationship and understanding, my role as a farmer, community member, relative, and aunty made me understand the interconnectedness and importance of our ancestral foods, the land, the water, the animals, and our people. My research focus is Indigenous food sovereignty, food security, and hydroponics.
Keona Mason (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma)
Keona Mason is a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma from Tishomingo, Oklahoma. She is a spring 2024 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and currently works for Oklahoma 4-H. She plans to remain at Oklahoma State University to receive her master’s degree in agricultural communications, where she will serve as a graduate teaching assistant for the agricultural communications writing and editing course. She hopes to serve in a career where she can advocate for agriculturalists and continue her swine operation, 2S Showpigs.
Peyton McMillan (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina)
My name is Peyton McMillan. I am a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. I graduated from North Carolina State University in Spring of 2024 with Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology and Crop and Soil Sciences with a minor in Agriculture Business Management. I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Crop and Soil Sciences. My focus on innovative, sustainable Farming directly results from my desire to save our Earth and my people and educate others on the magnitude of working toward this one goal. With a Crop and Soil Sciences master’s degree, I can embark upon a career that would benefit me and my community. I would be working with the primary goal of making our Earth more sustainable for future generations. Upon completion of my graduate degree, I intend to return to my native community to use my education to improve some of our farming practices for the preservation of our land and other natural resources.
Davin Mendez (Mescalero Apache Tribe)
Davin Mendez is from the Pueblo Of Acoma and the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Davin is a recent graduate of Tularosa High School, located in Tularosa, New Mexico. Davin has a deep-rooted connection to the land and a passion for sustainable agriculture and rangeland management. Growing up, Davin developed a profound respect for the environment and an interest in traditional knowledge and modern agricultural practices. In addition to his interests, Davin worked as a student intern for the Mescalero Apache Tribal Natural Resources Department. Davin has also had the honor of being involved in Mescalero’s 4-H club for seven years and has had the opportunity to gain experience and compete in showing market beef. In the fall, Davin will attend New Mexico State University to seek a degree in Rangeland Science. He hopes one day to return to both his tribal communities to help promote and preserve the legacy of agriculture.
Kimberlynnibah Yazzie (Navajo)
My name is Kimberlynnibah Yazzie. I am a tribal member of the Navajo Nation. I am Bita’hnii (Within his Cover Clan) and was born for Ashiihii (Salt People Clan). I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Vet at Oklahoma State University in the Ferguson College of Agriculture. I chose this major because veterinary care has always been my passion, and I grew up in a sheep and cattle operation. I plan to get a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine and be able to provide services to tribal and non-tribal communities. I would also like to provide career shadowing services to students who want to pursue a career in the veterinary field. I am a Student Success Leader for the Ferguson College of Ag in the Multicultural Program. I will be a summer intern at the United States Meat and Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, working with sheep and cattle management. My personality reflects my culture, traditional teachings, and family values, and I can’t wait to share and serve as a Tribal Agriculture Fellow.