Five reasons to stand with Makoce Agriculture Development on their fifth anniversary!
When Makoce Agriculture Development was founded five years ago, it planted more than just seeds. It established the root system of a transformative food system grounded in Indigenous leadership. From where we stand, that vision has blossomed into one of the most innovative and impactful community-based food sovereignty efforts in the country.
We’ve had the extraordinary gift of partnering with Makoce’s team since the very beginning–helping to develop strategies and harness resources powering their efforts to regenerate equitable, healthy communities and economies on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
There are countless reasons why we love Makoce’s work. But this month, as Makoce’s team celebrates their organization’s fifth anniversary–here are five reasons why we think you should support their work too!
They are leveraging Indigenous leadership to confront colonial policies and systems
After founding the organization, CEO and founder Nick Hernandez successfully navigated centuries-old colonial land policies to secure a historic land lease–land that is now the site of Makoce’s Wóyute Regenerative Production Farm. This land, where the community can now come together to learn about and engage in producing nourishing local foods, is a living symbol of Makoce’s commitment to reclaiming Indigenous resources and traditions through determination and leadership.
They are reawakening Indigenous foods with deep cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance
Across the reservation, there has been a resurgence of interest–especially among young people–in rejecting the western diet that has caused such deep harm to Indigenous communities and to the land itself. Over the last five years, Makoce has harnessed that energy. From traditional buffalo harvests to making chokecherry jam, Makoce’s team is creating opportunities for community members to reconnect with traditional foods and reawaken traditional knowledge for future generations.
They are empowering the next generation of Indigenous food system leaders
Central to Makoce’s success is its deep investment in community. Through cultural foods workshops, community trainings, and local meat production initiatives, the organization has empowered a new generation of Indigenous producers, educators, and advocates. These community members aren’t just participants—they’re leaders reshaping the local food landscape and inspiring others across Indian Country.
They are taking bold steps to build essential food system infrastructure
Makoce doesn’t just run programs—they create lasting, systems-level solutions rooted in Lakota values and community design. A prime example: after nearly three years of research and collaboration, Makoce developed a Master Plan for Pine Ridge’s first Food Hub—a facility to support a local, regenerative food system. It will connect producers like farmers, ranchers, and chefs with the broader community, increasing access to nourishing, local foods.
As they build this long-term project, Makoce is also taking immediate steps by piloting a non-asset-based food hub model using existing community resources.
They have an incredible team of powerhouse leaders committed to Indigenous food sovereignty
Makoce’s visionary CEO, Nick Hernandez, created the foundation of this amazing organization. But since then, he’s brought together a team of 15 amazing community leaders–with deep experience in advocacy, food production, research and education, and more–to advance Makoce’s vision. Makoce even creates opportunities for young people to serve as interns, to prepare to lead the food sovereignty movement into the future.
While we celebrate Makoce’s first five years, we know this is only the beginning. As climate change, disease outbreaks, and shifting political policies put increased pressure on food and agricultural systems, this team’s mission is more urgent than ever. And the work of growing food sovereignty, building resilient economies, and reclaiming Indigenous knowledge cannot be done alone and without strong support from diverse allies.
Join us in nurturing what has been planted by Makoce Agriculture Development. Let’s grow a future where Indigenous communities thrive—on their own terms, with their own solutions.