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.
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. much like healthy soil, requires sustaining optimal conditions for growth. 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
Helped technical assistance recipients access
1,500 83 50
$160,894,644 in capital through 196 grant awards Individuals Indigenous Communities
Provided direct agricultural technical assistance to nearly 1,500 individuals and 83 Indigenous communities Deployed technical assistance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands
50,000 $160,894,644
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.
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.
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.
Dave Carter and Aubrey Gallegos from the Good Meat Project at The Regenerate Conference
Noki Koi Tribe of Brazil visiting with the Pueblo of Jemez
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 wellbeing of both the environment and Indigenous communities.
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 Nativeowned food businesses, and a twopronged approach to addressing the widespread, escalating housing crisis throughout Indian Country via technical assistance and strategic finance.
Chris Roper with a client
Dave Zuazua from Alamo Protein with his products
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.
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:
Dave Carter at the Carolina Meat Conference
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.
Salt of the Earth Conference
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.
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.
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.
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.
Touring Fields Farm
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
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 sukiⱡqukni
Thank you for all of your wonderful work!”
Janet Camel Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Pablo, Montana
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
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.
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.”
Bison bull at the National Western Stock Show
FHI Land Lab
Chaco Canyon
Arlan Sando Pueblo of Jemez Jemez, New Mexico
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.
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.
Brophy Toledo holding Cota and Ephedra, Traditional Medicinal Herbs
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
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.
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.
FHI Land Lab
Chris Roper & Dave Carter at the St. Thomas Abbatoir
Dave Carter & Chris Roper with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Secretary Romanski
Chris Roper presenting on the MPPTA Program
Three generations in the FHI Land Lab
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
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.
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
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.
Flower Hill Institute, The Nature Conservancy and Tribal Leaders
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.
Red Rock Chili Oil
Meat science lab students preparing pet treats
Seneca Nation of Indians Bison Farm
Dave Carter with Rebecca Thistlethwaite from Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN)
Dave Carter with Hussam Alrawi and Kathryn Piper, Founders of Five Pillars Butchery House of Meat in Maine
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.”
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
Tree Planting Event, Earth Day 2024
Russ Kremer
Ozark Plateau Pork Columbia, MO
Dave Carter presenting on the MPPTA Program
PROGRAMS & IMPACTS
SUPPORT & REVENUES
$2,934,997 Programs & Services Agreements
$175,000 Foundation Grants & Donations
Total Support & Revenues
EXPENSES
$2,616,653 Programs & Services Delivery
$167,002 Programs & Projects Expenses & Supplies
$59,950 Operational Expenses
Total Expenses
$ 3,109,997 $2,843,606 $266,391
Total Change in Net Assets
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
LEADERSHIP
To read FHI Board bios, please scan:
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Co-Founder & Cultural Advisor
Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians Vice Chair
Sharon Edenfield Confederated Tribes of Siletz Treasurer
Carmen Bradley Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Board Member
Cristina Danforth Oneida Nation Board Member
Micah McCarty Makah Tribe Board Member Board Member
Newly planted tree, Earth Day 2024
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
