Diné College President Roessel Appointed to USDA Tribal Advisory Committee
11 December 2023
WASHINGTON — In a significant recognition of Diné College’s leadership and commitment to tribal communities, Diné College President, Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel, has been appointed to the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee. This prestigious appointment was made by Ranking Member David Scott (GA-13) and announced by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during the White House Tribal Nations Summit on December 6, 2023.
In a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) press release Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced ways the Biden-Harris Administration is fulfilling long-standing Tribal requests for USDA to support and better partner with Tribal Nations in empowering Tribal food sovereignty and co-stewardship of federal lands and waters.
“I am honored to represent tribal colleges as land grant institutions and contribute to the important work of the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee. This appointment reflects our collective commitment to fostering collaboration between tribal nations and the federal government to address the unique challenges faced by Native communities,” said Roessel.
“Agriculture is intersects with tribal sovereignty, food sovereignty, economic development and self-determination,” he said. President Roessel’s appointment to the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee underscores his expertise and dedication to advancing the interests of tribal nations. The Committee plays a crucial role in advising the USDA on policies and programs that directly impact tribal communities across the nation.
The inaugural USDA Tribal Advisory Committee serves as a vital conduit for communication between tribal leaders and the USDA, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of tribal nations are considered in the development of agricultural and rural policies. This is a permanent committee created by the 2018 Farm Bill to ensure Tribal perspectives are well represented at USDA and to ensure the Department’s policies and decisions are informed by the unique Nation-to-Nation relationship.
Diné College, as a prominent institution of higher learning for Native Americans, takes pride in President Roessel’s appointment and sees it as an opportunity to amplify the voices and concerns of tribal nations on a national stage.
Diné College is the first tribally controlled college established in 1968. As a postsecondary educational institution, Diné College awards associate degrees, bachelor degrees, a master degree and certificates in areas important to the economic and social development of the Navajo Nation. To comply with the College mission, personalized instruction is guaranteed to each student because of the low student-faculty ratio. All are welcome to apply
