United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation Blackberry Development Project (UCANBD Project)

United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation Blackberry Development Project (UCANBD Project)

Summary

United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation held a grand opening of their herbal business in August of 2012. Due to tornado damage in 2011 the work on this project was delayed. UCAN continued to work with local farmers and agencies in identifying potential crops and markets that would meet the needs of our community. Through the grand opening we were able to ask and receive the support of our local government and agencies such as Auburn University and the Chamber of Commerce. This support made local farmers aware of our project and the need for local, organic product that are native to this area and beneficial as a dietary supplement for many common ailments such as the blackberry leaves being used to help relieve sinus problems.

• Ribbon cutting at Grand Opening

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Acquire necessary accounting software for reporting and production of blackberry products and additional herb items.
2. Form partnerships with small fruit farmers and land owners with the goal of introducing our product line through the use of blackberry leaves for sinus problems.
3. Set agreeable realistic goals with farmers and land owners about blackberry leaves and other potential products that could be produced on their farm.
4.Encourage farmers to use current sustainable agriculture practices such as plastic mulch and drip irrigation in connection with blackberry production. Introduce positive options like the Environmental Quality Incentive Program through Eddie Wheeler with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to enhance production and apply conservation techniques.
5. Enhance the processing and marketing of the blackberry leaf product through volunteer force, paid employees, updated systems, and adequate equipment.
6. Conduct outreach field days and workshops in June, 2011 at David Cox blackberry farm located in Grant, Alabama and in October, 2011 on Steve Dixon’s land located in Guntersville, Alabama to identify various herbs and practices used to develop and market these products.
7. Consult with agricultural and horticultural sources at Tuskegee, Alabama A&M and Auburn universities, the U.S., Department of Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Don Wambles with the Alabama’s Farmers Market Authority and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to identify most successful partnership opportunities for growing herbal needs.
8. Take full advantage of being in front of any audience and hand out literature and brochures. We visit a lot of schools, but we also work with adult groups and colleges as listed below.

* Jacksonville State University, Calhoun County, AL
* Forestry Camp, Epps, Saint Clair County, AL
* Native American Heritage Day, Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery, AL
* Wallace State University, Hanceville, Cullman County, AL
* The Mountain Valley Council of the Arts, Marshall County, AL
* Scout Troop 27 of Scottsboro, Jackson County, AL
* Five Feathers Educational event in Madison County, AL
* Trail of Tears Motorcycle Event ending in Waterloo, Lauderdale County, AL
* WalMart Diversity Training, Gardendale, Jefferson County, AL
* WalMart Diversity Training, Oneonta, Blount County, AL
* Jackson County Heritage Center, Scottsboro, AL
* Trail of Tears Re-enactment & First Nations, Lincoln County, TN
* Native American Celebration, Chattanooga, Hamilton County, TN
* Marshall Community Club, Guntersville, Marshall County, AL
* Sam’s Club Diversity Training, Huntsville, Madison County, AL

9. Train employees that quality and consistency comes before quantity.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Through the purchase of an accounting software package (Quickbooks)UCAN was able to develop an accurate method of pricing and packaging the herbal products being offered. UCAN attended public community workshops and farmers markets to gather information used to establish a process that will enable tribal entrepreneurs to produce, process, capsulate, and market blackberry leaves as well as other herbs native to this locale. As a tribe UCAN contacted blackberry growers and land owner through tribal communications, local involvement, and through various agricultural and extension agencies. UCAN has researched the type of blackberry leaves that will best serve the project through existing communications with our local County Agent, Tuskegee University and Auburn University. UCAN has purchased and received grants to purchase the equipment necessary to make production of herbs more cost efficient. Equipment included a capsulating system that allowed more capsules to be completed at a time (from 24 to 100). Bottles with special lids that would seal once closed as well as tampter seals and a heat gun to shrink the tamper seals around each bottle. UCAN has enlisted the support of our community agencies and tribal support to work with local farmers to purchase needed herbal product. Through a work training program UCAN has trained and continue to train youth and adults on the process involved in production and sale of the herbal products available through our community farmers and landowners. Through local community events as well as tribal events UCAN has been able to provide an herb walk to introduce the public to the potential of the plants in their own yards and to promote the UCANBD project. This also allowed UCANBD to locate additional farmers and landowners for additional product availability.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Through the project there were 6 people that went through the training program and although a test was not given to determine how much they retained from this program their continued interest and work in the business that has resulted is a good example of the success of the training they received. Through the project UCAN has established a successful business arrangement with several local farmers and landowners that will continue to provide organic product. Through word of mouth UCAN continues to receive additional interest from local farmers and landowners interested in becoming a provider as well.

Collaborators: