Growing Success Hip-Hoop Hooray! From the beginning, Running Strong has been proudly partnering with community-based gardening programs. These programs not only provide American Indian families with wholesome, nutritious food, they also teach life skills, good nutrition and guide Native families on the path to self-sufficiency. This year, we were delighted to fund a new project for our Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Program (SBAG). Having seen the success of our previously-funded greenhouses for Can Wigmunke (The Rainbow Tree) and the Cheyenne River Youth Project®, Running Strong donated a new, special type of greenhouse, called a hoop house, to the SBAG program for their gardens. The hoop house protects gardens from the
intense desert heat in the summer and the frigid cold climate in the winter. By giving seedlings a jumpstart on the growing season, gardens are more likely to survive (and thrive!).
produce locally, earning income and increasing the availability of affordable, nutritious food.
“ The gardens at the Cheyenne River Youth Project® looked great!”
• Can Wigmunke (The Rainbow Tree)
– Pat Robicheaux Running Strong Tour participant
Many of our program partners also host local farmers and gatherers markets to make fresh fruit and vegetables more accessible in their communities. With Running Strong’s support, gardeners can sell their
Please visit www.IndianYouth.org to learn more about some of the gardens we support:
• Cheyenne River Youth Project® Children’s Garden • Brave Heart White Swan Garden • Euchee Language Project Traditional Garden • Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Program
“The gardens at the Cheyenne River Youth Project® and Slim Buttes were an inspiration to me.” -Becker Davis, Running Strong Tour participant,
“ It’s a cornerstone for our youth project, whether we’re talking about meals and snacks or about youth programming that helps connect our children with their land.” -Julie Garreau, Executive Director, Cheyenne River Youth Project®
4
Running Strong for American Indian Youth® • 2013 Annual Report