May 2^nd dawned a majestic spring day in the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Colorado as rural and tribal stakeholders from the Four Corners region descended upon the San Juan National Forest Headquarters to learn more about USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative. Participants traveled from New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and the east coast to discuss strategies to help USDA deliver its programs more successfully in persistently poor rural areas. Read more »

Tribal Consultation: Front row, left to right, Phillip Chimburas, Ute Indian Tribe; Ernest House, Chairman, Ute Mountain; Leona Eyetoo, South Ute Tribe; Jeanine Borchardt, Chairwoman, Paiute Tribe; Jessica Zufolo, Deputy Administrator, Rural Utilities Service; Forrest S. Cuch, Director, Division of Indian Affairs: Madeline Greymountain, Tribal Council Member, Confederate Tribes of Goshute Reservations. Back row: Kenneth Maryboy, Navajo, UTL Chair; Dave Conine, Utah State Director, USDA Rural Development; Utah LT. Governor Greg Bell; Leonard Gorman , Executive Director Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission.

USDA Rural Development officials joined Greg Bell, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Utah recently at the 2010 Native American Summit held in Ogden.  This historic gathering provided an opportunity to meet with Utah’s tribal Leaders, and explore the means available for USDA to become a more effective partner in delivering services and addressing tribal needs. Read more »