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Alabama Hosts Program Delivery Initiative for American Indian Tribes
from l. Eddie Tullis, Chairman of the Poarch Band
of Creek Indians, host tribe; Richard Coombe, NRCS East Regional Assistant
Chief; and Annabelle Romero, Director, USDA Office of Native American
Programs |
Participants representing nine tribes from as far north as Maine and as far
south as Florida recently met on the Poarch Band of Creek Indian Reservation
near Atmore, Alabama, for an American Indian Program Delivery Initiative.
Addressing the group, Richard Coombe, NRCS East Regional Assistant Chief, said,
“NRCS is doing many things to help America’s first farmers reach their
conservation goals. About 125 tribal nations are now participating in NRCS
programs. USDA and NRCS are working with tribal leaders across America to support
their efforts to bring economic opportunity and an enhanced quality of life to
tribal members. That effort is working well. According to the most recent
census, the number of American Indians in production farming is increasing. NRCS
wants to ensure that America’s first farmers continue to make a comeback.”
Annabelle Romero, Director, USDA’s Office of Native American Programs, praised
the work of the Native American working groups. “USDA’s Native American working
group is involved in everything we are doing among Indian tribes. The agencies
are the ones that do the work, and I rely on them,” Romero said.
Your contact is Julie Best, NRCS public affairs specialist, at
334-887-4549.
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