Rosebud, SD — Wizipan Little Elk (Sicangu Lakota Oyate) was selected for the 2021 Bush Fellowship award. Little Elk is the CEO of Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), a 2019 and 2020 Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) Grantee.
Under Little Elk’s leadership, REDCO has used NAAF funding both as a direct grantee and fiscal sponsor to support the work of farmer and rancher increased access to low-interest loans and financial literacy trainings. In addition, REDCO has built food sovereignty efforts, expanded their bison ranch, and conducted a feasibility study of USDA-certified meat processing and industrial hemp on the reservation. Little Elk hopes to use his Bush Fellowship to revolutionize social impact investing in Indian Country.
“Wizipan Little Elk is a visionary leader in Indian Country,” said Toni Stanger-Mclaughlin (Colville), NAAF Director of Programs. She continued, “Wizipan is an incredible choice for the Bush Fellowship Award. His experience in building financial systems that reflect the communities they serve is a revolutionary approach that has the potential to not only impact his community but all of Indian Country and America. We know Wizipan will do an incredible job in this position and wish him the best of luck.”
About REDCO: In 1999, the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Government stepped forward to begin reclaiming their right to economic self-determination by establishing REDCO. Designed as the economic arm of the Tribe, REDCO’s purpose is to generate revenue and create economic opportunity for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and surrounding communities.
About Native American Agriculture Fund: provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers. The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.
