In the latest episode of Rooted Wisdom, produced by the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, host Tish Mindemann delves into the impact of IFAI’s legal and policy expertise on supporting the growth and expansion of Tribal food and agriculture. In this episode, Kelli Case, Sr. Staff Attorney with IFAI, shares about her background and the legal team’s vital work.  

“IFAI exists to be Indian Country’s ag nerds on call,” Case said.  

Case’s deep connection to her Chickasaw heritage and upbringing in rural Oklahoma instilled in her a unique blend of passion for both law and agriculture. Case leads the legal team, which consists of herself, Mallory Moore, and legal interns from the University of Arkansas’ LLM program. 

The legal team’s role at IFAI is multifaceted, embodying the organization’s mission to serve. They navigate the intricate legal landscape that Tribal governments face when implementing agricultural initiatives. Their work is critical in ensuring that Tribal leaders and community members can access and utilize federal programs effectively, while also preserving their cultural heritage. 

One of the standout aspects of the legal team’s work is their focus on making complex legal information accessible and actionable for Tribal communities. Whether it’s helping a Tribe establish a Department of Agriculture or deciphering federal regulations, the team’s expertise helps ensure the success of Tribal agricultural initiatives. 

While IFAI’s lawyers may not participate in traditional courtroom battles, their work involves extensive research, community engagement, and the creation of practical resources to inform and equip Tribes, Tribal leaders, and Tribal staff. These documents distill hundreds of pages of legal text into concise, context-rich summaries that Tribal leaders can quickly understand and apply. 

In addition to their legal work, the team is passionate about supporting the next generation of Native American agriculturalists. They collaborate with IFAI’s Next Gen team to provide mentorship and resources to young people interested in agriculture.  

Of her passion for helping Tribal youth, Case said, “This is a personal passion that I have for next generation agriculture. But again, recognizing how much went into making this job a possibility for me and supporting me in my growth, what can I do to pass that on to the next generation?” 

The episode also sheds light on IFAI’s involvement with ensuring Tribes have access to tools and resources ahead of Tribal consultations. These consultations are Nation-to-Nation conversations between Tribal officials and Federal agencies. One example of this is the legal team’s facilitation with the National Association of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (NAFDPIR). Through IFAI’s work with NAFDPIR, the legal team helps to navigate the legal complexities of this vital program. Their work ensures the NAFDPIR can adequately communicate their concerns to improve the program and provide healthy, culturally appropriate foods to Tribal citizens in need 

The team’s story is a powerful example of how legal expertise can empower Tribal Nations in preserving and advancing their food and agricultural systems. Through IFAI’s legal department, staff are helping create a future where Native American communities are self-sustaining, culturally vibrant, and legally empowered. 

Stay tuned for more episodes of Rooted Wisdom, where IFAI continues to explore the intersection of policy, politics, agriculture, and Native American sovereignty. Listen to the episode featuring Kelli Case and IFAI’s legal department here.