Indigenous Agriculture
Calypso supports food sovereignty, including ecological agriculture and traditional food practices.
As an extension of our Farmer Training Programs, we are proud to partner with rural partners around Alaska on a new project that provides Indigenous-led farmer training opportunities and support across the state, especially for rural Villages and communities.
Trainings are held at Calypso Farm in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Led by Indigenous farmers in partnership with the farmers at Calypso Farm, this hands-on program will teach participants how to grow vegetables in a way that is transferable to village communities. Basic topics include how to start seeds, prepare garden beds, transplant plants, and manage the garden. Other topics include composting and using what you have on site to build the health of your soils.
2023 Program Dates:
- Option #1: June 12-14, 2023 (session full)*
- Option #2: July 17-19, 2023 (session full)*
- Option #3: August 7-9, 2023 (session full)*
*All 2023 sessions are currently full, however, please get in touch with us below if you are interested in being on a waitlist or being contacted about next year's programs!
Cost: This program is being offered at no cost.
Housing: Participants will tent camp at the farm and have access to an outdoor kitchen, outhouse and sauna. We will provide a tent, cot and sleeping bag, as well as food for the length of the program.
Travel: We will work with you to provide travel to Fairbanks. Roundtrip airfare up to $1,000 per participant will be covered.
Youth Farm Camp: We are offering a hands-on, outdoor camp for grades K-6 in tandem with this program! Through play-based learning and exploration, campers will explore life on the farm and in the surrounding forest. If you would like to bring your kids with you, they are invited to join camp at no cost!
All applicants must live in rural Alaska and preference will be given to aspiring Indigenous farmers and gardeners.
Become a trainer in Calypso's Indigenous Agriculture Program! Join growers from across the state in sharing knowledge and learning hands-on teaching techniques in preparation for being an instructor in our Beginning Farmer Training Program for Rural Communities.
This hands-on "Train the Trainer" program is for Indigenous farmers and gardeners who are excited to teach others how to grow food in village communities.
Training Dates: June 7-9, 2023
Additional Dates: Participants must also be available to attend and instruct in at least one of the Beginning Farmer Training sessions on July 17-19 and/or August 7-9, 2023.
Cost: This training program is being offered at no cost. After completion on the training, participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their time instructing in each additional session.
Housing: Participants will tent camp at the farm and have access to an outdoor kitchen, outhouse and sauna. We will provide a tent, cot and sleeping bag, as well as food for the length of the program.
Travel: We will work with you to provide travel to Fairbanks for the training as well as for any sessions in which you are an instructor.
Preference will be given to Indigenous farmers and gardeners.
If you would like to help promote Indigenous food sovereignty in rural Alaska and support Alaska Native growers in becoming agricultural leaders in their communities, please consider making a donation to our Indigenous Farmers fund.
By making a donation to this fund, you’ll be supporting Calypso’s ability to offer future workshops and training sessions, as well as helping us provide travel, housing, and food at no cost to participants from rural communities.
Donations also provide direct support to the agricultural projects in these communities.
