401 Cooperative Extension in Indigenous Communities: Perspectives of 1862 and 1994 Extension Educators

Abstract The mission of Land Grant Institutions (LGIs) and Cooperative Extension has always included the concept educational access. Indeed, there is an office in or near all 3,000 counties US serving nearly 100% counties. However, not served communities equitably, both their access to agricultural resources kinds programs that they provide. An important example these inequities can be seen Indigenous communities, where underfunded unable provide equitable support. Despite challenges, are educators from 1862 1994 LGIs collaborate with communities. These have valuable experience insight critical capture if going encourage support others this work. insights will help current future collaborations successful inform systemic changes need made equitably serve other marginalized