FHI ImpactReport 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS About Flower Hill...................................2 Letter from Executive Director...........3 2024 Highlights.....................................4 Programs & Impacts.............................5-26 Financials.................................................27 Acknowledgements..............................28 Leadership..............................................29 Staff...........................................................30

Sustainable Ranching Clinic Event

OUR MISSION Flower Hill Institute is an Indigenous-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting the resilience of Tribal Nations. Since 2015, Flower Hill has worked with Tribal Leaders and their communities to provide complex problem-solving support and technical assistance on the most pressing issues facing Indigenous communities across the United States.

OUR VISION Flower Hill Institute envisions a future where Indigenous communities thrive—freely practicing our cultures, growing our economies, and providing for our people. By bridging tradition and innovation, we create cultural, economic, and environmental resilience in our communities.

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A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends, When Brophy Toledo and I founded Flower Hill Institute (FHI) in 2015, one of our first initiatives focused on improving the health of our soils in the Pueblo of Jemez, starting in the five acre field which later became known as Flower Hill’s Land Lab. For nearly a decade, the Flower Hill team has been steadily working to help these depleted soils recover from centuries of extractive farming practices, and help our community re-establish traditional soil management techniques that regenerate soil health.

This past October, as we wrapped up this year’s harvest season at the Land Lab, our team took a moment to appreciate the changes that had occurred in the soil over the years. What was once fine, sandy, red dust is now rich, dark brown earth. Scooping a handful into my palms, I marveled at its crumbly texture and lightly sweet scent.

We have successfully created fertile ground at the Land Lab. In many ways, this is the core work of our organization. We are stewards offering care and resources to the physical and cultural landscapes that sustain our communities.

Whether through our technical assistance programs, which served over 83 Tribes and nearly 1,500 individuals, our work with Adaptation International and the State of New Mexico that ensured Tribal voices are included in New Mexico’s climate resilience planning, or the launch of the Indigenous Rewilding Network which restores both land and systems of power, Flower Hill’s initiatives focus on doing the literal ground work required for transformative change.

Despite these achievements, the progress we’ve made remains fragile. Transformative change, much like healthy soil, requires sustaining optimal conditions for growth. While we are heartened by the long-term improvements we’ve seen, we are also mindful of the threats that could cause this work to backslide. Challenges such as an uncertain political landscape, climate change, and economic disparities put both our communities and our organization’s progress at risk. Yet we remain steadfast and confident that with your support, the seeds we’ve planted will continue to flourish over time.

Together, we can continue to be stewards of richer soils and brighter futures.

Respectfully, Roger Fragua, Co-Founder and Executive Director

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2024 HIGHLIGHTS

160,894,644

$

Helped technical assistance recipients access $160,894,644 in capital through 196 grant awards

1,500 & 83 Individuals

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Indigenous Communities

Provided direct agricultural technical assistance to nearly 1,500 individuals and 83 Indigenous communities

50,000

In Capital

States

Deployed technical assistance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands

Acres

Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to secure $50 million and established a Tribal coalition to facilitate the return of a 50,000-acre ranch in New Mexico.

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PROGRAMS & IMPACTS The priorities of Flower Hill Institute evolve depending on community needs and collaboration opportunities. This year we continued our work in creating resilient food systems, cultures, and environments, as well as expanded our scope to address emerging needs in Tribal Nations such as on-reservation housing.

RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS We build resilient food systems by delivering comprehensive nationwide outreach, education, and free technical assistance to underserved farmers and ranchers.

Through strategic partnerships and tailored support, Flower Hill helps individuals access essential resources, enhance their agribusiness practices, and improve their financial stability.

Dave Carter and Aubrey Gallegos from the Good Meat Project at The Regenerate Conference

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RESILIENT CULTURES We promote resilient cultures by creating opportunities for intertribal exchange, supporting cultural preservation projects, and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Flower Hill plays a vital role in ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and their lifeways endure.

Noki Koi Tribe of Brazil visiting with the Pueblo of Jemez

RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS

EMERGING WORK

We champion resilient environments by supporting Tribes’ ability to manage and steward traditional territory, and participate in planning processes that protect their interests.

We adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our community.

By advocating for Indigenous land rights and promoting sustainable land management practices, Flower Hill contributes to the health and wellbeing of both the environment and Indigenous communities.

Chris Roper with a client

In 2024, Flower Hill fostered two emerging programs: “Naturally Native,” a certification for Nativeowned food businesses, and a twopronged approach to addressing the widespread, escalating housing crisis throughout Indian Country via technical assistance and strategic finance.

Dave Zuazua from Alamo Protein with his products

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RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

We build resilient food systems by delivering comprehensive nationwide outreach, education, and free technical assistance to underserved farmers and ranchers. Through strategic partnerships and tailored support, Flower Hill helps individuals access essential resources, enhance their agribusiness practices, and improve their financial stability.

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Dave Carter at the Carolina Meat Conference

RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) Flower Hill Institute coordinates the USDA’s MPPTA program, which provides critical technical assistance to meat and poultry farmers across the country. We take pride in connecting producers, including Tribal communities, with technical assistance for developing processing plants and navigating USDA grant opportunities.

FHI has completed over 1,100 requests for technical assistance since 2022, we have served members from over 80 different Tribes, across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

For more information on MPPTA Program:

• Map

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RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FSA Disaster Assistance Outreach, Education and Technical Assistance Program FHI supports and facilitates increased access to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), a program dedicated to helping farmers and producers learn more about available disaster assistance and emergency relief programs.

By building partnerships with organizations like Farmer Outreach Solutions, Latino Farmers and Ranchers International, and the Farmer Veteran Coalition, FHI strengthens the capacity of nonprofits to secure funding and expand their outreach.

Reached over 160,000 people with information about FSA opportunities.

Provided direct disaster assistance and emergency relief to over 200 people.

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Salt of the Earth Conference

Touring Fields Farm

RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Tribal Voluntary Bison Inspection Fee Coverage Program The Tribal Voluntary Bison Inspection Fee Coverage Program is the first of its kind, and designed to support Indigenous-owned meat processing facilities. By reimbursing voluntary bison inspection fees, this program aims to alleviate financial burdens, promote economic growth, and preserve traditional practices within Tribal communities.

Since its inception, the program has reached out to 29 Tribal meat processing facilities, with the Quapaw Food Services Authority being the first to qualify and receive reimbursement for bison harvesting inspection costs.

Supporting Pueblo Farmers Flower Hill Institute joined forces with the University of Arizona and the Rockefeller Foundation this year to identify and address pain points of Pueblo farmers. Our work culminated in a needs assessment and the formation of an intertribal alliance.

The Pueblo Agricultural Needs Assessment was the first ever comprehensive study delving into the agricultural needs of the 19 Pueblo Tribes and the Hopi Tribe.

The Pueblo Farmers Alliance is a FHI-run group of farmers from various Pueblos who gather monthly to share information, farming techniques, adaptation strategies, historic practices, post-harvest processing, and current needs and constraints.

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RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Land Lab The land lab is a five acre field in the Pueblo of Jemez where Flower Hill develops and tests new approaches for Pueblo farming to improve food production and soil management practices. The Land Lab programs work to unwind the legacy of colonial farming practices, return to traditional management and bridge to innovative new practices.

Our team worked with soil health scientists from Western SARE and CSU to evaluate changes to the Land Lab’s soil, and develop new plans to improve it.

Soil samples demonstrated that the implementation of diverse farming practices and amendments to the land lab have been beneficial to the overall soil health.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have absolutely benefitted from the first-person knowledge and expertise that Flower Hill has provided throughout development of our meat processing plant project.

They provided essential information in 2022 when we were developing our feasibility study and business plan, and again in 2023 as we worked on our grant application for the Indigenous

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On Earth day this year, we planted 32 trees to create a new educational orchard in the Pueblo of Jemez.

Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Program—leading to CSKT’s $7.7 million grant award.

Chris Roper and his team are invaluable to anyone developing complex systems for local food production in their communities.

Lemlmtš/Hu sukiⱡq̓ukni

Thank you for all of your wonderful work!”

Janet Camel Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Pablo, Montana

RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

As a veteran transitioning into farming, I faced significant challenges in learning how to register and navigate USDA and FSA regulations.

Besides learning the how to’s ourselves, we faced additional obstacles within our state with growing specialty crops.

The journey has been daunting, and at times, overwhelming. The guidance, resources, and encouragement we received

from Flower Hill have been nothing short of life-changing.

Flower Hill Institute along with The Farmer Veteran Coalition are true lifelines for veterans entering agriculture, empowering us to overcome obstacles and build successful operations.

Their efforts make a profound impact, not only on individual farms but on the broader agricultural community.”

Bryan & Gina Zesiger Lawrence, Kansas

Bryan & Gina Zesiger

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RESILIENT CULTURES

We promote resilient cultures by creating opportunities for intertribal exchange, supporting cultural preservation projects, and advocating for Indigenous rights.

Flower Hill plays a vital role in ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and their lifeways endure.

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The Flower Hill team has tirelessly supported the Pueblo of Jemez in its efforts to preserve, safeguard, and strengthen our lands and culture.

In 2024, Flower Hill coordinated high-level meetings with the Biden administration to seek the return of our traditional territory, developed a comprehensive strategy to reclaim management authority

over key cultural resources, and connected us with leadership from other Tribes in North and South America, which resulted in increased access to important cultural resources for our community.

Since its founding, Flower Hill has been a key facilitator for cultural preservation efforts in our community and others.”

Arlan Sando Pueblo of Jemez Jemez, New Mexico

Chaco Canyon

FHI Land Lab

Bison bull at the National Western Stock Show

FHI Land Lab

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Brophy Toledo holding Cota and Ephedra, Traditional Medicinal Herbs

RESILIENT CULTURES

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Indigenous Voices In Washington With the support of the NDN Collective, Flower Hill Institute organized a trip for Tribal Leadership from the Pueblo of Jemez to visit Washington D.C. and meet with Chuck Sams, director of the National Park Service, Ben Ray Luján, United States Senator, and Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, regarding the return of management authority over the Valles National Preserve to the Pueblo of Jemez.

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Wildland Gathering Flower Hill and the San Diego and Denver Botanic Gardens hosted a roundtable with traditional leadership and healers from Indigenous communities throughout North America on the issues facing the wild plants they use for their work. This first-ofits-kind gathering served as a forum for the discussion of the conservation efforts needed to keep wildland gardens healthy. Work with this group will continue into 2025 with a meeting at the Pala tribe in February 2025.

RESILIENT CULTURES

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Intertribal Cultural Exchanges Flower Hill Institute is uniquely positioned to support intertribal exchanges thanks to the many decades of leadership from our executive team in this space. In 2024, Flower Hill was involved in providing communication and logistical support for six exchanges involving three or more Tribes. These organically structured exchanges brought together leaders, war chiefs, and healers in conversations that bridged vast geographies and shared critical cultural practices. The results not only deepened intertribal connections but also led to tangible outcomes, including the sharing of ceremonial resources and cultural practices.

Key connections this year include: Strengthened relationships between Hopi and Pueblo leaders and farmers.

Strengthened relationships between the Noki Koi tribes of Brazil and the New Mexico Pueblos.

Native Youth in Ceremony Caption

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RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS

We champion resilient environments by supporting Tribes’ ability to manage and steward traditional territory, and participate in planning processes that protect their interests.

By advocating for Indigenous land rights and promoting sustainable land management practices, Flower Hill contributes to the health and well-being of both the environment and Indigenous communities.

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FHI Land Lab

RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Indigenous Rewilding Network The Indigenous Rewilding Network (IRN) is dedicated to restoring Tribal lands and revitalizing ecosystems through landback efforts and restoration of Indigenous management. By partnering with Tribes, conservation organizations, and scientists, IRN supports land return, cultural landscape restoration, and strengthened Tribal sovereignty. Through education, advocacy, and on-the-ground rewilding projects, the network fosters cultural resilience, environmental health, and sustainable land management.

In 2024 Flower Hill partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and 8 Southwestern Tribes to coordinate the purchase and return of Dawson Elk Valley Ranch, a 50,000 acre property in northern New Mexico. The ranch is a pristine grassland/foothills transition zone containing 18 miles of the Vermejo river and hundreds of cultural sites from numerous Tribes.

The New Mexico’s Climate Resilience Plan Flower Hill Institute served as a critical liaison between state legislators and Tribal Leadership as New Mexico was creating a Climate Resilience Plan.

By advocating for more inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and voices and doing direct outreach to Tribes, FHI was able to incorporate ideas and feedback from 14 New Mexican Tribes.

For more information on Indigenous Rewilding Network:

Flower Hill helped put together an application to the Forest Legacy program that resulted in a $50 million award from the USDA for the purchase of the property.

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Three generations in the FHI Land Lab

Chris Roper & Dave Carter at the St. Thomas Abbatoir

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Dave Carter & Chris Roper with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Romanski

Chris Roper presenting on the MPPTA Program

RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS

Flower Hill’s expertise and deep understanding of the intricacies of Indian Country make them one of the most capable and effective partners in this space.”

Brad Cory The Nature Conservancy Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Chris Roper visiting the University of Puerto Rico cattle farm

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EMERGING WORK

We adapt to the ever evolving needs of our community. In 2024, Flower Hill fostered two emerging programs: “Naturally Native,” a certification for Native-owned food businesses, and a two-pronged approach to addressing the widespread, escalating housing crisis throughout Indian Country via technical assistance and strategic finance.

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REGIONAL RESILIENCE FELLOWSHIP Flower Hill Institute was selected as a Regional Resilience Fellow by the Open Future Coalition.

This prestigious year-long fellowship recognizes Flower Hill’s dedication to preserving and enhancing cultural resources, improving economic self-sufficiency, and addressing climate change impacts within Indigenous communities.

As a fellow, Flower Hill has collaborated with a global network of practitioners, researchers, and funders to share innovative, locally-driven solutions.

Seneca Nation of Indians Farm

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Caption

Flower Hill Institute, The Nature Conservancy and Tribal Leaders

EMERGING WORK

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Addressing The On-Reservation Housing Shortage Housing shortages affect nearly every Tribe in the United States, with at least 200,000 units required to address unsafe and overcrowded houses on reservations nationwide. These shortages have destabilizing effects on Tribal economies, governance, and traditional lifeways. In 2024, Flower Hill Institute launched programs aimed at equipping Tribes with the resources necessary to address urgent housing needs, particularly in the agricultural workforce sector.

Secured a $250,000 pledge from the Tamalpais Trust for a future Tribal Housing Fund.

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EMERGING WORK

Naturally Native Certification With so many amazing high quality goods being created by our community and an increasing desire for transparency from consumers, Flower Hill has a certification for Native-owned food products. The Naturally Native trademark will help consumers identify and select products produced by Native businesses and help create an association with high-quality products.

Flower Hill has created the first certification for Native-owned food products.”

Red Rock Chili Oil

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Dave Carter with Hussam Alrawi and Kathryn Piper, Founders of Five Pillars Butchery House of Meat in Maine

Dave Carter with Rebecca Thistlethwaite from Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN)

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Seneca Nation of Indians Bison Farm

Meat science lab students preparing pet treats

I have frequently used the services of Flower Hill Institute Technical Assistance Program for meat processing with great satisfaction and appreciation. This team has been my greatest professional resource as they have guided me through areas of management, operations, marketing and regulatory that has resulted in a successful niche pork business.”

Russ Kremer Ozark Plateau Pork Columbia, MO

Tree Planting Event, Earth Day 2024

Flower Hill Institute, The Nature Conservancy and Tribal Leaders in Dawson, New Mexico

FHI Cultural Advisor Brophy Toledo

Harleigh Moore providing education on FSA programs

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Dave Carter presenting on the MPPTA Program

PROGRAMS & IMPACTS SUPPORT & REVENUES $ $2,934,997

Programs & Services Agreements

$175,000

Foundation Grants & Donations

3,109,997 Total Support & Revenues

EXPENSES

2,843,606

$ $2,616,653

Programs & Services Delivery

$167,002

Programs & Projects Expenses & Supplies

$59,950

Total Expenses

Operational Expenses

266,391

$

Total Change in Net Assets

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, and communities who have made our work possible in 2024. Your unwavering support, collaboration, and belief in our mission have allowed Flower Hill Institute to serve over 83 Tribes, bringing transformative change to Indigenous communities across the nation.

To our donors, your generosity has empowered us to launch critical programs addressing housing shortages, cultural preservation, food sovereignty, and climate resilience. To our partners, your collaboration has been instrumental in achieving milestones such as the return of 50,000 acres of Tribal land, the establishment of the Indigenous Rewilding Network, and the development of Tribal meat processing facilities.

A special thanks to the leaders and community members who continue to share their knowledge, stories, and aspirations with us. Your vision and resilience inspire everything we do.

Together, we are planting the seeds for a future where Indigenous cultures, economies, and environments thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Donors Albuquerque Community Foundation BeeHive Homes, Inc. Botanic Gardens Conservation International Colorado Plateau Foundation LOR Foundation Liberated Capital Indigenous Earth Fund Maryland Institute College of Art NDN Collective Region 9 Sathya Sai Baba Organization Rockefeller Foundation Rural Climate Partnership Tamalpais Trust (pledged) The Nature Conservancy The University of Arizona - Indigenous Resilience Center USDA Agricultural Marketing Service USDA Farm Service Agency USDA Office of Tribal Relations Virga Foundation

Partners Adaptation International Agriculture Utilization Research Institute (AURI) American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) American Grassfed Association American Meat Science Association (AMSA) American Pastured Poultry Producers Association Applied Alchemy Arbor Day Foundation Arthur “Butch” Blazer Bodhi Manda Zen Center Buckminster Fuller Institute CSRS Center for Rural Affairs Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Colorado State University Cruces Creatives Cypress Earth Daryl Vigil, Ten Tribe Water Coalition FarmAid Farmer Veteran Coalition Farmer’s Outreach Solutions Finance for Gaia Good Meat Project Growing GRASS Hide and Leather Council of America Indigenous Led InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Latino Farmers and Ranchers International Leather and Hide Council of America Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP National Bison Association National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA (NCBA CLUSA) National Farmers Union National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Native Agriculture Financial Services (NAFS) Native American Development Corporation Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) Open Future Coalition Rise Above Foundation Rodale Institute Rural Advancement Fund (RAFI-USA) Rural Coalition San Diego Botanical Garden State of New Mexico TreeNM Tuskegee University U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Women in Ranching

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LEADERSHIP

Roger Fragua

Jemez Pueblo Co-Founder & Executive Director

Leslie Elgood Board Chair

Sharon Edenfield

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon Treasurer

Newly planted tree, Earth Day 2024

Cristina Danforth Oneida Nation Board Member

Brophy Toledo

Jemez Pueblo Co-Founder & Cultural Advisor

Chris Devers

Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians Vice Chair

Carmen Bradley

Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Board Member

Jim Gray

Osage Nation Board Member

To read FHI Board bios, please scan: Micah McCarty Makah Tribe Board Member

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Jerry Pardilla

Penobscot Nation Board Member

STAFF Roger Fragua (Jemez Pueblo), Co-Founder & Executive Director Brophy Toledo (Jemez Pueblo), Co-Founder & Cultural Advisor Atherton “Atty” Phleger, General Counsel and Director of Special Projects Nicole Henriquez Mast, Director of Operations Bryn Fragua (Jemez Pueblo), Senior Advisor and Agricultural Director Chris Roper, Regional Technical Assistance Provider Director Dave Carter, Regional Technical Assistance Provider Director Shelby White (Cherokee Nation), Intake & Awards Manager Harleigh Moore-Wilson (Osage Nation), Project Director Kelly Gunter, Project Coordinator Kendal Jeffers (Cherokee Nation), Intake & Awards Manager Marcos Perera, Outreach & Education Manager Shaundin Jones (Navajo Nation), Outreach & Education Manager Loretta Hinton, Technical Assistance Manager Mike Shellenberger, Technical Assistance Manager

The Flower Hill Institute team is incredibly excited to continue planting seeds of change and harvesting community resilience in 2025.

Scan the QR code or visit www.flowerhill.institute to support our continued efforts.

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Flower Hill Institute www.flowerhill.institute PO Box 692 Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico 87024 EIN: 81-4300335