The idea for the Rooted in the Land program emerged from our initial conversations with a small group of Indigenous women ranchers. They brought to light their communities’ urgent needs and, most importantly, asked, “What is Women In Ranching going to do about it?”

Acknowledging the historical and systemic inequities faced by Indigenous land stewards, and recognizing that true leadership must come from within the community, the program was realized in 2023 when Erin Thomas of the Navajo Nation and Tiffany St. Goddard of the Blackfeet Nation answered the call as co-leaders.

While Women In Ranching provides support, it is Erin and Tiffany’s leadership that listens to their communities, drives the initiative, and organizes gatherings like this one.