Gathering knowledge and building relationships at IAC 2026
Rachel Hunter, Business Manager, and Zintkala Rivera, Range Ecology.
Our Tanka Fund team attended the IAC 2026 Great Plains Regional Summit on Feb. 3–4 at The Box Event Center in Box Elder, South Dakota. The team participated in two days of learning, networking, and relationship building.
Tanka Fund hosted an informational booth throughout the summit, creating space to connect with longtime partners and introduce new potential ranchers to our work. The event brought together leaders, producers, and advocates committed to strengthening Tribal agriculture and land stewardship efforts across the region.
One of the most impactful moments of the summit was Dereck Stonefish’s presentation on Historical Trauma and Its Impact on Tribal Land Stewardship and Food Systems. His insights offered a powerful reminder of the deeper context surrounding the work many Tribal producers carry forward today — and the importance of supporting that work with care, knowledge, and long-term vision.
By participating in gatherings like the IAC Summit, Tanka Fund continues to expand its network and resource base. These conferences allow us to gather critical information our producers need to maintain successful operations — from emerging animal health concerns to financial and grant opportunities beyond what Tanka Fund directly provides. The knowledge and connections gained are brought back to our producer network, strengthening the collective capacity of Tribal ranchers across the Great Plains.
Nick Hernandez is secretary-treasurer of the Tanka Fund board of directors. He is also the Founder and CEO of Makoce Agriculture Development.
