Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC) and North Dakota State University Extension Service are hosting a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. on June 7 to dedicate a new greenhouse and community garden at the NHSC Four Sisters Garden in New Town, North Dakota. The greenhouse was built as part of a community garden project that received $112,410 in funding for the NDSU extension office. The funding was part of the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP), which is administered by the Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The new greenhouse facility will be used by NHSC and NDSU Extension staff for educational programming as a part of their land-grant mission. The improvements to the community garden will increase their capacity to teach youth and adult audiences about Native agriculture and gardening, as well as how to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets to address food-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, Fort Berthold residents will be able to use the community gardens to grow their own fresh produce.
“The MHA Nation’s culture and lifeways were deeply and intrinsically tied to land and agriculture, and I’m so pleased to be able to continue that legacy with modern methods that adapt and respect our traditional values. This is a great partnership that I believe will be of benefit to so many students and community members moving forward,” says NHSC President Twyla Baker.
Greg Lardy, NDSU’s Vice President for Agricultural Affairs, also shares his support. “We value our collaborative relationship with Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College as we work together to fulfill our joint mission of extending education and research-based knowledge,” says Lardy.
Baker and Lardy will both speak at the celebration. The gardens are approximately one mile west of New Town. To get there from New Town, head west and turn south at mile marker 49.
NHSC offers in-demand certificate programs and associate degrees as well as three bachelor’s degrees. The college offers high-quality cultural, academic, and vocational education. NHSC provides encouragement and support to facilitate successful college careers.