Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor; Applied Research and Extension

• UC ANR / UC Agriculture and Natural Resources / UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

Next review date: Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Oct 28, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers a unique recruitment opportunity for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Indigenous Food Systems and Foods Sovereignty Advisor. UC ANR coordinates a statewide network of researchers and educators in partnership with Counties that are dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to address local agricultural, environmental, youth, and health issues.

Over 200 UC ANR UCCE academics conduct research, outreach and education from locally based Cooperative Extension offices in over 70 locations. Our mission is to bring the University of California directly to Californians through research, extension, and education programs that support:

• Sustainable, safe, and nutritious food production and delivery

• Economic success in a global economy

• A sustainable, healthy, and productive environment

• Science literacy and youth development
By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California’s reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the UC system.

Purpose:

The Indigenous Food Systems and Food Sovereignty Advisor is responsible for developing and delivering a robust applied research and extension program in partnership with Native American Tribes, Tribal communities, and Tribal-serving organizations to strengthen Indigenous food systems as well as Indigenous food sovereignty in San Diego and Riverside counties. This new position will include cultural heritage preservation, organic farming or gardening, climate resilience, food policy, and/or Indigenous land stewardship.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to building partnerships and uphold a commitment to meaningful engagement and advancing efforts that reflect the needs of our community partners.

Applied Research, Extension and Education
Developing effective outreach programs with Tribal communities requires deep listening and a commitment toward building and sustaining relationships over time. The advisor will partner with Tribal communities and coalitions, as well as public and private land managers, and government agencies including for example with the Intertribal Agriculture Council, NRCS, and RCDs to develop their research and outreach program. Opportunities for extension activities may include:

• Co-creating, implementing, and evaluating Indigenous food system and food sovereignty initiatives identified by Tribal communities.

• Coordinating directly with the various regional Tribes and Tribal serving organizations to insure good communication, coordination and program alignment.

• Strengthening Tribal capacity to enhance production of culturally relevant foods, fibers and medicines through farms, gardens, and/or landscape level stewardship at the household, Tribe and county levels.

• Supporting the development of climate-resilience plans including, for example, drought planning and mitigation, fire risk assessment and cultural burns, and co-management for Indigenous land stewardship.

• Contributing to regional and statewide policy dialogue on building a more resilient California landscape while protecting Tribal cultural heritage and cultural resources.

• Developing culturally relevant outreach programming that can be replicated and shared statewide.

• Facilitating the return of ancestors and cultural items to California Indians and other Native American Tribes following the UC Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation Policy.

• Developing agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding, with tribes and tribal-led organizations outlining commitments and responsibilities including: communication, data collection, usage,…