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University‑linked grants could fund LCO food‑sovereignty research and tribal arts project
Summary
A county staff member summarized two university‑led grant proposals that would bring federal funds to Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) for climate‑smart agriculture research and a tribal‑lens arts project pending federal funding availability.
Ananda Rodriguez, a staff member who summarized a recent university partnership, described two grant‑funded projects in development that would channel federal research and arts funding to Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) and other tribal communities.
Rodriguez said a U.S. Department of Agriculture–linked team led by University of Wisconsin researchers secured an award of roughly "900, something thousand" dollars, with portions of that funding intended for community research positions and local work on climate‑smart agriculture and food sovereignty. "LCO was part of it. So LCO will receive some funds out of this, federal funding, and there will be someone who will be hired to do a research… community research based on climate smart agriculture and, looking into, food sovereignty," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez also described a second project proposing public art and interpretive displays that explore science through a tribal lens, including murals and community exhibits meant to connect traditional knowledge and storytelling with Western science concepts. She said the project aims to create destination‑level displays that could have tourism impact but emphasized the proposals are contingent on federal funds that may be delayed or frozen; the group plans to work on proposals in April if funding is available.
Board members asked about approvals and tribal governance; Rodriguez said project work would require LCO council approval and local coordination. No formal county action was requested during the update.
Ending: Rodriguez asked for questions and said she would follow up with additional information if the university team and tribal partners proceed with proposals.
