By Andi Anderson
Eva Wedell, a student at Oglala Lakota College, spent this past summer interning with the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), where she supported her home community’s medicine garden. Through this opportunity, she not only worked in agriculture but also stayed connected to her cultural traditions.
“I've had a lot of opportunities to involve my culture and the traditions I've been taught,” said Wedell. Her role at the garden blended agricultural work with traditional knowledge, making it both meaningful and educational.
Wedell was one of four interns placed in various Tribal agricultural programs across the country. Each intern worked on unique projects including community gardens, water conservation, and business support. The IAC helped fund these internships, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while continuing their education.
“This truly leads them to jobs,” said Elaini Vargas, Youth Programs Director at IAC. Vargas knows firsthand how impactful the program can be—she herself started at IAC as an intern and now leads its youth initiatives.
Wedell’s ultimate goal is to work in prairie restoration. Her degree in conservation biology supports that path, and the IAC internship helped her gain practical experience in the field.
“The awesome part of it is that this constant learning is going on,” Wedell shared. Her experience offered more than just work hours—it was a step forward in her journey of cultural and environmental stewardship.
The IAC staff, including Vargas, are proud of Wedell’s work and excited about what lies ahead for her. With continued guidance and support, she and her fellow interns represent a growing future in agriculture that is rooted in both cultural values and modern conservation goals.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle