Students compete in a game of shells.
With the ever-growing FFA community, it is more important than ever to promote the diversity of its members.
The National FFA Organization’s Federal Charter states its purpose is “to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of the FFA in the value of all human beings.” The phrase “FFA for All” also comes to life through the commitment of members across the United States to educate one another about the many cultures within our organization.
Among California’s 366 FFA chapters, one stands out in the Riverside Section of the Southern Region: Sherman Indian High School, a boarding school for Native American students from all over the U.S. Now 7 years old, the Sherman Indian FFA Chapter excels at incorporating its culture into education and chapter activities. One of the chapter’s newest events is “Native Games,” a competition that features traditional Native American games from various tribes in a fun, bracket-style format.
Temecula Saint Jeanne Catholic FFA members celebrating after a win in a game of shells.
If you’ve been part of FFA, you’re likely familiar with Ag Olympics, a popular event hosted by many chapters and regions. Native Games is similar, but instead of traditional activities, it celebrates traditional Native American games passed down through generations.
Two Sherman Indian FFA Chapter officers — Chloe Trosper of the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming and Danielle Antonio of the Northern Paiute and Tohono O’odham Tribes in Nevada—lead the event. As committee chairs, they organize and host it for Riverside Section FFA members.
When asked why cultural diversity is important in FFA, Trosper said, “There’s no one person separated just because of their race or ethnicity. Everyone can come together and learn from one another.”
The event has generated excitement throughout the Riverside Section. Rubidoux FFA member Andrea Evangelista said, “I think it’s a great experience to meet new people and learn about Native American culture.”
Students compete in an intense game of tug of war.
Antonio highlights the significance of connecting Native culture with the agricultural roots of FFA. “We want to bring cultural ways back,” she says. “Not many people really know about Native American traditions, and we want to showcase that in FFA because that’s who we were. We were farmers, we were nomadic, and we lived those ways.”
When asked about the importance of cultural diversity, Riverside Section FFA member Katie Angel said, “‘Agriculture’ means different things to different cultures.”
Agriculture plays a huge role in many different cultures from around the world, and when those practices are shared, we can better create an inclusive community.
Sherman Indian FFA members bond after competing.
As diversity grows within our organization, new knowledge is found through different opinions and traditions. By fostering a family of diverse members, FFA will continue to grow in strength and community.
Sherman Indian FFA continues to be a shining example of how chapters can use the power of culture to create unity and education, thus promoting the idea that FFA truly is for all.
